(SDN) — Philippine tourism has just received a much-needed shot in the arm.
The “shot” comes in the shape of Huawei Technologies and its more than 600 million users.
Huawei Philippines Senior Public Relations Manager Karenina “Karrie” Escueta-Buenafe relayed this to Travelin’ Light over the week through an email announcing the nice development.
Ma’am Karrie said to flesh out this boost to the country’s tourism industry Huawei Philippines partnered with the Department of Tourism (DOT) as the two parties inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
Tourism across the globe has been in the doldrum, suffering due to the coronavirus pandemic as countries curtailed travel to prevent the fatal virus from spreading further.
Officials of Huawei Philippines and the DOT signed their MOU on May 14, 2021, to formalize their collaboration, expected to be a vital cog in the wheels of the country’s tourism industry.
Related: here’s how their partnership works
The Philippines is not lacking in tourist spots and destinations, in fact there are countless of them spread out in over 7,000 islands.
What’s lacking, obviously, are tourists and other visitors to feast their eyes on beautiful scenery, enchanting beaches (led by the world-famous white sands of Boracay Beach in the province of Panay in the Visayas. And there are much more the country can offer, among them colorful fiestas, arts and culture, not the least a hospitable people. Ever smiling.
The DOT chief, Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat welcomed the digital partnership, lauding Huawei for its help in further promoting the country’s tourism offerings to the world.
“Our strategy for the safe and gradual reopening of tourism in the Philippines will be greatly supported by this digital content partnership as it will offer Huawei users anywhere in the world with glimpses of our country’ beautiful destinations and allow them to customize their mobile devices with images of our tourism offerings,” Romulo-Puyat explains.
Huawei Philippines Vice President Daniel Guo noted the Chinese tech titan’s wide scale partnership with the Philippine government.
“Huawei has established an extensive cooperation with the government, local businesses and communities, to continuously bring innovative digital services to consumers and create greater social values.
“Through the collaboration, we will curate a series of Philippines-centric wallpapers and smartphone themes, including the scenery landscapes and tourist attractions of the Philippines, as well as creative themes created by local artists, photographers, cartoonists and animators,” Guo emphasizes.
With this digital-driven collaboration, expect Philippine tourism to enjoy a boon as the economy opens up, gradually and carefully.
For the pandemic is still an every day fact of life; the new normal is here to stay.
So follow the health protocols, such as washing of hands for at least 20 seconds, wearing of face mask and face shield, and social distancing. Also a avoiding crowds if it can’t be helped but go out for life’s essentials.
Otherwise, stay at home! (EDD K. Usman)
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Featured image of the ancient Lake Lanao in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, courtesy of the Department of Tourism (DOT).