Le Tour gets into DOT’s ‘Visit’ promo

The Le Tour de Filipinas has earned a niche in tourism promotion after the Department of Tourism (DOT) included the four-stage international cycling race in its “Visit the Philippines Year (VPY 2015)” program.

The Le Tour de Filipinas joined 10 other events under the DOT’s “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” campaign.

The DOT has designated 2015 as “Visit the Philippines Year (VPY 2015).” Its marketing arm, Tourism Promotions Board, heads a year-long campaign aimed at encouraging local and foreign tourists to participate in a wide array of events while highlighting various destinations and attractions all over the country.

The official VPY 2015 website has been launched featuring various events, programs, festivals, among others—at www.phl2015.itsmorefuninthephilippines.com.

The Le Tour de Filipinas and other sporting events in the program are featured in the website https://visitph2015.com/events/category/sports-adventure-and-eco-tourism.

“This is a major development for the Le Tour de Filipinas, which will run its sixth edition in February,” said Bert Lina, chair of both Le Tour de Filipinas and PhilCycling. “This is proof that our race is recognized for its contribution in the promotion not only of cycling as a sport but also in terms of tourism.”

Le tour de Filipinas is the only road race included in the Asia Tour calendar of the International Cycling Union or UCI, the world governing body for cycling. For 2015, 18 foreign teams have applied for inclusion so far, but the organizing Ube Media will be limiting participation to 15 teams.