DOT pins hope on videos to spur domestic travel

The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Wednesday said it is confident the launch of the first three promotional songs and music videos under the flagship "Pilipinas, Tara Na!" domestic branding campaign would spur domestic travel. Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim said they are hoping to boost domestic travel because they can directly impact the domestic economy. With higher domestic travel rates, Lim said, employment in the hospitality and tourism industry goes up, providing people in different localities with decent jobs. "Any impetus in local tourism can impact more quickly and extensively towards the growth of the economy," Lim said. "[This will also contribute to] the improvement of income and standard of living of all Filipinos who are already employed or will be employed in the travel and hospitality business," he added. Domestic travel, Lim disclosed, is the tourism industry’s backbone, posting more than P100 billion in revenues last year. To equal or even surpass last year’s performance, the DOT launched songs and music videos featuring different tourist destinations in the country. The songs are updated versions of the widely popular "Tara Na, Biyahe Tayo!" anthem released by the DOT in 2004, which captured the various cultural and natural heritage of the country. The new songs and videos included performances by 57 of the country's top musical artists and personalities, the DOT added. "We are very happy to finally present the [music video], and we salute all the participating artists who have contributed their time and talents for free to make a pitch for domestic tourism." Among the artists who participated in the DOT project include 6Cyclemind, Aiza Seguerra, Barbie Almalbis, Bayang Barrios, Billy Crawford, Bituin Escalante, Boboy Garovillo, Christian Bautista, Cookie Chua, Dolphy, Ebe Dancel, Gabby Alipe, Gail Blanco, Gloc-9, Itchyworms, Janno Gibbs, Jaya, Jay-R, Jed Madela, Jett Pangan, Jim Paredes, John Lesaca, Jong Cuenco, Karylle, Kevin Roy, Kitchie Nadal, Kris Lawrence, Kyla, Martin Nievera, Mike Villegas, Nikki Gil, Noel Cabangon, Ogie Alcasid, Pepe Smith, Raimund Marasigan, Regine Velasquez, Rico J. Puno, Rivermaya, Sam Concepcion, Spongecola, Yeng Constantino, and Zsa Zsa Padilla. — JMT/VS GMA News