MEDIA RELEASEApril 2011

DOT endorses Explore PH guidebook

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding

(MOU) to endorse Explore PH, a comprehensive travel guidebook series on the

Philippines published by Austrian company AustroMedia Corp.

“We commend Explore PH, especially so as a foreigner-initiated enterprise, for

helping spread the good word on the Philippines as a tourist destination of choice,” said

Secretary Alberto. A. Lim at the signing.

An all-inclusive travel guide, Explore PH contains both indispensable information

(maps, an embassy consulate directory, emergency numbers) and interesting add-ons

(travel tips, Filipino phrasebook) for local and foreign tourists, specifically foreign

business travelers, expats and returning overseas Filipinos. The first issue, launched

in December 2010, began with a focus on Metro Manila, while an upcoming summer

edition will serve as a tourist’s primer to Cebu.

The guidebook will include a listing of DOT-accredited establishments, as well as

updated information on Philippine tourist destinations and attractions to be provided by

the Department. The MOU also supplements the guidebook’s distribution channels –

which at present include airports and several coffee chains – with placement at DOT

regional and overseas offices and foreign missions.

DOT Media Release – April 2011 Page 1

AustroMedia Corp., which publishes Explore PH locally, also plans on printing

books about Dr. Jose Rizal and Ferdinand Blumentritt in honor of friendly Philippine-

Austria bilateral relations.

For supplementary features or more information, visit www.exploreph.com.

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CONTACT: EVELYN A. MACAYAYONGOffice of Tourism Information525-18-05

DOT Media Release – April 2011 Page 2

DOT Media Release – April 2011 Page 3

DOT-Austro Media MOU Signing. (L-R) DOT Asst. Secretary Benito C. Bengzon, Austro Media’s Thilo Krueger, DOT Secretary Alberto A. Lim and Austro Media’s Alfred Reiterer.