Philippines: How not to promote tourism

EditorialPhilippine Star

The Philippines has badly botched an attempt to market itself to tourists, said the Manila Philippine Star. The government chose the month of December to launch “Wow Philippines,” a campaign to attract tourists through special events highlighting Philippine history. Someone had the bright idea of racing tilburies, the two-wheeled, horse-drawn carriages used in the 19th century, down Manila’s bustling Bonifacio Drive. But nobody told the police that this event was going to take place and that they would have to cordon off part of the throughway, which is a key route for trucks hauling 40-foot shipping containers to Manila’s busy international port. So “the haulers, together with jeepneys, taxis, and private vehicles,” were stuck “in the horrendous traffic jam that was created” on one of the busiest shopping days of the year. “If this is marketing the Philippines, it’s awful marketing. Tourists who were trapped in the traffic surely swore never to return to this country.”