Manila, Philippines — The much-anticipated visit of the Miss Universe title holders and candidates to the Philippines is Department of Tourism’s (DOT) marketing strategy to further boost the country’s tourist arrivals, according to DOT Secretary Wanda Corazon Teo.

Speaking with reporters on Monday, Teo revealed that DOT has strategically chosen the Miss Universe candidates who will visit the Philippines based on their importance in terms of marketing the Philippines.

“When the Miss Universe Organization reached out to us to bring in the girls, we have spefically requested to bring in the candidates from our emerging destinations such as Russia, Netherlands, India, Italy, Spain, and Canada and contestants from our key market such as the United States, South Korea, Malaysia, China, Great Britain, and Singapore,” she said.

Meanwhile, the title holders will start arriving on December 5, kicking off with a tour in Intramuros and Rizal Park on December 6.

The ladies will also pay President Rodrigo Duterte a courtesy on December 7.

On December 8, they will be divided into three groups and will be brought to different tourism sites in the country. “Miss Universe 2017 Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters will be going to Batanes, some will be visiting Bohol while Miss Universe 2016 Iris Mittenaere will be in Camiguin,” said Teo.

There will also be a charity event and fashion show at Sofitel on the December 9.

As part of the Bring Home a Friend (BHAF), which seeks to give incentives by encouraging Filipinos to invite their foreign friends to explore the Philippines, the visit is expected to draw more travellers to the country.

“It will definitely promote the country considering that the ladies have a huge social media following,” said Teo.

The DOT hailed the positive impact of the successful hosting of the Miss Universe 2016 as it contributed to the 11 percent increase in tourist arrivals from January to August 2017.

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