Press Release

PRESS RELEASE NO. 05-2022

Philippines steps up tourism promotion efforts
as it welcomes visa-free travelers from the US Midwest

Chicago, 23 February 2022 – The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago and the Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT) Office in New York have accelerated tourism promotion initiatives in the US Midwest as the Philippine government has once again allowed American tourists to travel to the Philippines even without a visa.

On 18 February 2022, Tourism Attaché Francisco Lardizabal and Senior Tourism Operations Officer Luz Navarro called on Consul General J. Susana V. Paez and other Consulate officials. During the meeting at the Consulate, they discussed the strategic direction of tourism promotion activities in the US Midwest, which are aimed at attracting Filipino-Americans and mainstream American tourists interested in diving, adventure and wellness sites and services in the Philippines. They highlighted that the Philippines is one of the few countries in East Asia that have opened up their borders to American tourists.

On 19-20 February 2022, PDOT and Consulate officials welcomed visitors to the Philippine booth at the Chicago Travel & Adventure Show at the Stephens Convention Center. There was high demand for information about travel policies and tour packages to the Philippines, as Philippine officials observed a palpable zeal among attendees anticipating greater international mobility in the coming months.

On 21 February 2022, PDOT met with travel agency consolidators to discuss ongoing tourism campaigns. On 22 February 2022, Consulate and PDOT officials visited the Philippine Wild Reef Exhibit at the Shedd Aquarium. They thanked Shedd management for the ongoing modernization of the exhibit, which showcases Apo Reef and is among the most frequently visited and highly rated attractions of the aquarium. They discussed possible areas of cooperation, including sustainable tourism and coral reef conservation.