TACLOBAN CITY – Tourism Secretary Maria Christina Frasco launched the Bisita, Be My Guest (BBMG) program in Eastern Visayas on Friday, October 13, here.
FRASCO (DOT-8 FB)
"We've seen that there is a massive potential for further development here that is why we brought the BBMG program in the hopes that we can bring attention to this region as it offers a wealth of history with Limasawa being here and Homonhon (Island) and home to nature scapes that cannot be seen anywhere in the Philippines," Frasco said.
BBMG incentivizes overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), overseas, and former Filipinos who invite foreigner friends, colleagues, and relatives to travel to the Philippines.
Frasco noted that Eastern Visayas may lack tourist arrivals compared to other known destinations in the country but it all makes up for all the beautiful destinations, wonderful gastronomic offerings, pilgrimage, heritage, marine biodiversity, and hospitality.
"The goal and desire of the President is to promote all destinations in the Philippines not only those popular destinations but also the emerging ones," she said.
Frasco stressed the importance of collaboration with local government units and tourism stakeholders to fully develop tourism circuits and introduce to the world and other Filipinos how viable tourism in Eastern Visayas is.
The BBMG, which will run from January 2023 to April 2024 under the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), gives a chance to those who avail of the program to win a condominium and free vacation trips.