THE Department of Tourism (DOT) 7 has launched a homecoming “hospitality” counter for balikbayans yesterday at the Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA).
Dubbed Pinoy Homecoming (PH) Counter, it will provide a VIP welcome treatment to the balibayans in Cebu.
Around 140 balikbayans from the US arrived at the Mactan Cebu International Airport as the PH counter was launched and were given a warm welcome.
According to the DOT in a statement, the PH counter will provide assistance to balikbayans in local tours and on giving them special discounts in airfare and hotel accommodation.
DOT-7 Director Rowena Montecillo, said the program is designed to address the travel needs and interest of the overseas Filipino workers (OFW) so that more will come back to visit the country.
Montecillo said the program targeted the OFW organizations, business groups and families to visit the country for reunions conferences and vacation by giving them privileges, incentives, and rewards.
The DOT in a statement said that the PH counter could help increase the volume of tourist arrivals in the country by 25 percent in the next five years.
The homecoming counter is the sixth counter installed by the DOT in different parts of the country – the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport in Clark, Davao International Airport in Davao City, and Terminals 1, 2 and 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila.
Present during the launching were Vice Governor Agnes Magpale, Rowena Montecillo, Director of DOT 7 and Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, Engr. Bigel Paul Villarete, and General Manager of MCIA, among others. Correspondent Rhea Ruth V. Rosell with Correspondent Fe Marie D. Dumaboc