WOW Philippines 2003

LAST year, the World Tourism Organization (WTO) declared Year 2003 as “Visit Philippines 2003.” The WTO declaration is a mandate for our tourism authorities to promote the Philippines as a hub of the tourist industry in Asia and in the world. It is also a challenge and an opportunity for the Filipino people to make the Philippines a tourism destination for foreigners to visit.

In line with this, when our world-class Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 will open to welcome international visitors and friends, it will be a source of pride and honor for our country and our people, to receive our guests to a suitable facility.

"Visit Philippines 2003" is a challenge that was accepted by our tourism authorities and by all the other organizations engaged in this industry. The theme "WOW Philippines 2003" beautifully expresses the "Visit Philippines 2003" motif. It demonstrates our efforts to show to the world the best of the Philippines for the foreign visitors to savor and enjoy more than the usual things they encounter in their travels to other tourism destinations.

Our tourism authorities have cheerfully taken up the WTO mandate, as may be seen in the variety of activities lined up for the entire year. Historic Intramuros was chosen as the venue for the inaugural activities. Soon, all the regions and provinces of our country will be actively participating in the year-long activities highlighting the many facets of Philippine life and the enriching activities that our foreign visitors can experience and enjoy.

Our tourism authorities expect to generate substantial revenues from these year-long activities. But more than these material benefits are the many intangible things that are bound to be generated by these activities. Tourism is one means of building bridges for our people with the peoples of the world. It is a mechanism by which socio-economic barriers are broken down and lasting friendships are set up.

In short, "Visit Philippines 2003" is one limitless opportunity for the Filipinos to establish lasting ties with the rest of the world. This is one beautiful outcome we can expect from "Visit Philippines 2003." Departing from our soil, after enjoying their stay in our country, tourists will truly exclaim, "Wow Philippines."