Participants of the Ambassador's Golf Cup Tournament pose with Philippines' Ambassador to Japan Domingo L. Siazon, Jr. (fourth from the left, second row)

As the world economy moves to a gradual upswing, the Department of Tourism (DoT) continues to enhance its marketing efforts, partnering with Philippine Airlines (PAL) to further tap other segments of the Japanese market. 

DoT-Tokyo, in cooperation with the Philippine Embassy, PAL - Japan and the ASEAN Japan Centre, are organizing the Ambassador’s Cup, an annual golf tournament set to draw in top executives from Japan’s travel wholesalers. 

Tourism Secretary Ace Durano said, “The Japan market includes high-earning executives who have the time and resources to spend for quality vacations, whether it is a premium sport or an island experience.  We are glad to welcome Japan’s travel executives, top business leaders and decision-makers who will actively promote the Philippines to their country.”

He said, “This high impact event is an opportunity to promote to the group of Japanese top-level decision makers of PAL wholesalers the attractions of Metro Manila and sample new tourist facilities and products, including golf.” 

The DoT is also intensifying its campaign to encourage Japanese tourists who prefer escaping the winter months to visit a tropical destination such as the Philippines.

For his part, Undersecretary for Tourism Planning and Promotions Eduardo Jarque, Jr. said, “The country’s ready facilities are set to welcome Japan’s top executives during their stay.  With our unique attractions and warm hospitality, we are confident that they will have an experience that is beyond the usual.”

The Philippines’ Ambassador to Japan, Domingo L. Siazon, Jr., will head this group to a tournament at the Manila Golf Club. 

Moreover, the event is a timely opportunity to promote PAL’s recently deployed aircraft, the Boeing 777 300ER, considered the world’s largest twinjet, to the premium Japanese market.

Commonly referred to as the ‘Triple Seven,’ this new aircraft with a seating capacity of 300, takes the prime international gateway of Manila-Narita-Manila, and started operations on 12 January 2010. 

Narita is the second destination served by this state-of-the-art aircraft, after Hongkong.