The Department of Tourism (DoT) has recently launched its “Bisita, Be My Guest” (BBMG) Program at the Asiana Hotel in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This initiative is part of the DoT’s efforts to establish a tourism partnership with the Middle Eastern country.
Dubai has a significant population of Filipinos, with around 700,000 residing in the city alone. These numbers not only demonstrate the strength of the Filipino community in the United Arab Emirates but also highlight the potential of this region as a valuable partner for the growth of Philippine tourism. Tourism Undersecretary Shahlimar Hofer Tamano emphasized this point, stating, “Filipinos have a significant presence in the UAE, and this presents an opportunity for us to further strengthen our ties and promote the Philippines as a premier tourist destination.”
The BBMG program aims to encourage Filipinos to become tourism ambassadors by inviting their foreign friends, colleagues, and family to visit the Philippines. Tamano explained, “The Bisita Be My Guest, or BBMG, is a program that rewards you for sharing the beauty of our country with the world. By inviting others to experience what the Philippines has to offer, you not only contribute to our tourism industry but also showcase the unique culture, attractions, and hospitality that make our country special.”
BBMG is a flagship program that has already been introduced in Tokyo, Berlin, Los Angeles, and London earlier this year. The program seeks to position the Philippines as a premier tourist destination and inspire Filipinos to share the country’s beauty with the world. Through this collaborative effort between the DoT, the Department of Migrant Workers, and the Tourism Promotions Board of the Philippines, the BBMG program aims to create a network of enthusiastic Filipino ambassadors worldwide.
By participating in the BBMG program, Filipinos in Dubai and other parts of the UAE have the opportunity to showcase the Philippines’ diverse attractions, including its pristine beaches, vibrant cities, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. Moreover, this program serves as a platform for Filipinos to strengthen their connections with their foreign friends and colleagues, fostering cultural exchange and understanding.
For those interested in participating in the BBMG program, the DoT provides various resources and incentives. Ambassadors who successfully invite foreign visitors to the Philippines can earn rewards such as discounted airfare, hotel accommodations, and exclusive tour packages. These incentives not only encourage Filipinos to actively promote Philippine tourism but also provide them with the means to share their country’s beauty with their loved ones and friends from around the world.
The launch of the BBMG program in Dubai marks a significant step in strengthening the ties between the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates. As more Filipinos in Dubai and the UAE become enthusiastic tourism ambassadors, the potential for increased tourist arrivals from the Middle East to the Philippines grows. This partnership not only benefits the tourism industry but also fosters cultural exchange and economic cooperation between the two nations.
In conclusion, the “Bisita, Be My Guest” program launched by the Department of Tourism aims to tap into the Filipino community’s strength in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates to promote Philippine tourism. By encouraging Filipinos to become tourism ambassadors and inviting their foreign friends, colleagues, and family to visit the Philippines, this program showcases the country’s beauty, culture, and hospitality to the world. Through this collaborative effort, the DoT aims to position the Philippines as a premier tourist destination and foster cultural exchange between Filipinos and people from around the globe.
Source: The Manila Times
