Take 'selfwe', win luxury holiday to Philippines

Dubai: You could win an all-expenses-paid holiday for two in the Philippines by taking a 'selfwe' (group photo) and by following the Philippine tourism department's twitter and Facebook accounts.

The social media campaign, unveiled at the on-going Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai, gives residents of UAE and Saudi Arabia an opportunity to win a five-star holiday in the far-east Asian country.

The freebie includes return air tickets and a three-night stay at the Makati Shangri-La hotel in the nation’s financial capital.

The drive is part of the Philippine Department of Tourism's launch of its Middle East Social Media Platforms "#All4FUNinPhilippines" group photo competition to promote the country as a luxury and fun-filled family destination.

Arabic, English platforms 

The platforms were launched in English and Arabic versions by Philippine Department of Tourism Assistant Secretary Benito Bengzon Jr. at the Philippine Pavilion at the ATM event in the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The initiative is expected to generate greater outreach, engagement and awareness for the Philippines as an alternative leisure destination for exciting urban lifestyle and shopping experiences, family attractions, idyllic beach and mountain luxury resorts and outdoor adventures for visitors from the Middle East.

The most number of likes and shared group photo will be declared the winners during the first week of June.

“By introducing special promotions, information about festivals and events, Halal eateries, travel tips and even traditional Philippine recipes and popular culture trends we hope that even more people will build an affinity with our country and a desire to travel and explore the 7,107 islands that makes the Philippines so special,” Bengzon said.

Popular destination

The popularity of the Philippines has been steadily increasing, with the total number of people visiting the Philippines from the Middle East recorded at 68,916 in 2013, an increase of 20 per cent compared to the number of visitors recorded in 2012.

Visitors from Saudi Arabia and the UAE lead in terms of visitor numbers, with Saudi Arabia providing 38,969 visitors in 2013 and the UAE 15,155.