PwC tourism campaign scores 25 million hits

Isla Lipana & Co., a member firm of Pricewaterhouse Coopers, has concluded its CSR campaign for tourism by naming the country’s 10 up and coming travel destinations using a highly successful online poll.The Philippine Gems campaign, launched last June by  FleishmanHillard Manila, aims to promote destinations in the rough, apart from already known tourism spots in the country like Boracay and the Banaue Rice Terraces.Netizens voted for their top 10 favourite tourist spots from 50 short listed destinations. FleishmanHillard reported that the dedicated voting site for the campaign drew 25 million visits during the four-month voting period from June to September.Calaguas Islands in Camarines Norte lead the top 10 Philippine Gems rankings, followed by Lake Sebu, Tubbataha Reef, Caramoan, Biri Island Rock Formation, Mt. Kanlaon, Danjugan Island, Panglao Island, Apo Island and Batanes.The project aims to contribute to Department of Tourism’s target of 10 million tourist arrivals by 2016. But aside from tourist numbers, Isla Lipana & Co. Chairman, Atty. Alex Cabrera said the buzz should bring in investors as well.“The Philippine Gems steers awareness and appreciation for the country’s pristine and natural sites, even the underdeveloped ones. In our modest way, we aim for these places to gain local and international attention, and in due course, greater economic activity.”