Filipino-Americans in the United States (US)  were encouraged by Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Wanda Teo to come home and explore the beauty and wonder of the Philippines.

Teo made the call to the Filipino-Americans during her recent working visit to the US, from August 12 to 15.

She visited various states such as New York, New Jersey and California where she met with the Filipino community there.

She first went to New York and New Jersey, where about 337,000 Filipino-Americans reside.

She was invited to grace various festivities, which also featured Filipino celebrities.

She then proceeded to New Jersey to participate in an event attended by some 500 Filipino-Americans.

“It will be great if you invite your American friends and Facebook friends to come see our world-class tourist destinations and experience genuine Filipino hospitality. Remember, there’s no place like home,” she told the small group of Filipinos in New Jersey.

Teo then flew to San Francisco, California to join the “Pistahan Parade and Festival 2016” held at Yerba Buena Gardens. At least 15,000 people participated in the celebration.

“Undeniably many of our fellow Filipinos experience homesickness and longing to visit our home country, reunite with relatives and friends,” Teo said before the Pinoys in San Francisco.

She said tourist arrivals from the US are expected to increase significantly in the coming years as travel and tour operators in the country have stepped up their campaign in promoting tourist destinations in the Philippines.

She likewise cited the role of airline companies such as Philippine Airlines and travel and tourism agencies in boosting the country’s tourism industry.

The US is the second largest source market for the Philippines, generating 15 percent of all foreign tourists last year.

In her meetings with several foreign tourism officials, Teo discussed the hosting of the Philippines of the Miss Universe beauty pageant in January.

She also tackled the efforts of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) to enhance various local tourism destinations through infrastructure and product development.

She also highlighted her advocacy for the “one town-one product” concept and the Tourism Promotions Board’s (TPB) funding support to US-based marketing and promotions of Filipino culture and culinary arts.

She likewise underscored the importance of prioritizing “underdeveloped destinations” in the Philippines.

Source: mb.com.ph