The much-anticipated visit of the Miss Universe titleholders and candidates to the Philippines is the Department of Tourism's marketing strategy to boost the country’s tourist arrivals, Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo said.
Speaking with reporters on Monday, Teo revealed the DoT has strategically chosen the Miss Universe candidates who will visit the Philippines based on their importance in terms of marketing the Philippines.
“When the Miss Universe Organization reached out to us to bring in the girls, we have specifically requested to bring in the candidates from our emerging destinations, such as Russia, Netherlands, India, Italy, Spain, and Canada, and contestants from our key markets such as the United States, South Korea, Malaysia, China, Great Britain, and Singapore,” Teo said.
The title holders will start arriving today (Dec. 5), kicking off with a tour in Intramuros and Rizal Park on Dec. 6.
The ladies will also pay President Rodrigo Duterte a courtesy call on Dec. 7.
On Dec. 8, they will be divided into three groups and will be brought to different tourism sites in the country. “Miss Universe 2017 Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters will be going to Batanes, some will be visiting Bohol, while Miss Universe 2016 Iris Mittenaere will be in Camiguin,” said Teo.
There will also be a charity event and fashion show at Sofitel on Dec. 9.
As part of the Bring Home a Friend program, which seeks to give incentives by encouraging Filipinos to invite their foreign friends to explore the Philippines, the visit is expected to draw more travelers to the country.
“It will definitely promote the country considering that the ladies have a huge social media following,” said Teo.
The DoT hailed the positive impact of the successful hosting of the Miss Universe 2016, noting it contributed to the 11-percent increase in tourist arrivals from January to August 2017.