DOT Welcomes Japanese Couple as PH’s 8-Millionth Tourist in 2019
Taking into account the numerous international recognitions and awards given to the country as well as the continued rise in the number of tourist arrivals, one can say that 2019 was a great year for Philippine tourism.
And to cap the year off, the Department of Tourism (DOT) welcomed the Philippines’ eight millionth visitor for 2019 last December 27!
She is Japanese national Yachiya Imamoto who, together with her husband Tamio, arrived in the country at 1:33 p.m. via All Nippon Airways Flight NH 869.
They were personally welcomed by Assistant Secretary for Tourism Development Roberto P. Alabado III.
Yachiya and Tamio Imamoto arrives at NAIA and are PH’s 8 millionth visitor for 2019 / IMAGE DOT’s Facebook page
Beauty product dealer Yachiya Imamoto is from Yokohama, Japan. She is not a stranger at all to the Philippines having visited the country eight times already to see their foster family whom they host in exchange in Japan.
“We are truly thankful to be chosen for this event. This our eighth visit here and we always visit our close friends in the Philippines,” said Yachiyo.
IMAGE DOT’s Facebook page
Aside from that, the couple also frequent beach local beach destinations such as Cebu, Palawan, and for this time around, they will be heading to Baler.
“The Filipinos are very hospitable. I also keep coming back for mangoes, masarap,” added Tamio.
Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat expressed her warmest welcome to the couple and wished them, as well as every tourist in the country, a remarkable stay.
Additionally, the arrival of the country’s 8th millionth visitor indicates that the number of visitor arrivals for 2019 has exceeded 2018’s 7.1 million, marking an all-time high record.
“Breaching the eight million mark is another milestone to celebrate, as it marks the unprecedented growth of the country’s tourism industry,” remarked Secretary Romulo-Puyat.
Source: pia.gov.ph
Images grabbed from DOT’s Facebook page
