RP festival in Japan set
The Department of Tourism (DoT) is preparing for a grand Philippine festival in Japan to further reach Japanese outbound consumers especially in Tokyo.

The festival is set on July 14 and 15 at Yoyogi Park, Tokyo’s impressive landmark that attracts thousands of Japanese especially on weekends, according to DoT Secretary Joseph Ace H. Durano.

"This consumer marketing event will provide the Japanese a multi-sensory experience of tropical Philippines as a premier overseas tourist destination by showcasing the best of our rich, diverse culture through songs and dances, arts and crafts, dishes and delicacies, products and services, and eye-catching images of our finest tourism attractions," Durano explained.

"All in all, the festival will give the Japanese consumers in Tokyo a sampling of the great Philippine tourism experience. This is aimed at creating a strong image and recall for our ‘Premium Resort Islands Philippines’ brand," said DoT Team Japan head Benito C. Bengzon Jr.,.

That marketing program is supported by "Wellness from the Inside Out" campaign, which is targeted at some 35 million Japanese women in their 20s to 50s, 7.2 million of whom have extensive overseas tour experience.

Japan is the Philippines’ third largest source of tourists, second-biggest trading partner, and top provider of official development assistance.

Manila Bulletin, Philippines