MANILA, MARCH 27, 2013 – The Department of Tourism’s (DoT) wildly popular ‘It’s More Fun in the Philippines’ campaign gets yet another digital twist, this time in the form of a digital/interactive information kiosk which aims to make tourism information in the Philippines more accesible, literally at the end of one’s fingertips.
The project is done in partnership with advertising firm, Illuminate Dynamic Media Inc. (IDMI), which describes itself as the pioneer advocate of “public-private partnership through advertising” initiatives in the country.
“[We are now dealing with] people used to interactive communications and devices such as this, [opening up an] opportunity to engage people more and more dynamically,” said DoT secretary Ramon “Mon” Jimenez Jr.
“We chose the project precisely because it feeds into everything we want [for the campaign]. With very little effort [on the tourist’s side], they can see what the Philippines has to offer. If you can do that right at the airport, that would be fantastic,” Jimenez added.
The digital information kiosks, which will be installed in transport terminals, malls, airports and hotels and resorts, will contain all the crucial information a tourist would need upon arrival such as directory, foreign exchange rate, airline flight schedule, and emergency numbers. It is also designed to be the perfect channel for tourism promotion where one can see lists of the latest events, tours and car rentals available in the area. A 24/7 video section is allotted for those who want to promote their company, brand or services. IDMI is also exploring the possibility of including an electronic loading station in partnership with a Telco company and an E-ticket for air, land or sea travel.
The kiosk, pegged at 6 and a half feet tall and 3 and a half feet wide, will also be a wifi zone (up to 100 meters), a device charger, digital photo booth, flyer/brochure holder and remote monitoring and file management system.
The first wave of installment is lined up for the second quarter of 2013. Plans to deploy it nationwide are already in the pipeline, scheduled to take effect this year.
“It would be a perfect example of the Philippines’ brand of hospitality,” said IDMI president and CEO Mike Aguilar. “We’ll provide them with all the information they need in just one place.”
“It is, for all intents and purposes, a very dynamic tool for actually communicating with our guests. I think it will eventually – this is my fearless forecast – be a very unique way for us in the government to engage the private sector,” Jimenez said. “We can talk to these establishments [that most tourists frequent] to put up the kiosk and help tourists, not only the foreign but also the domestic tourists, find out what the town he visited was and where he is.”
If the first wave of the ‘It’s More Fun’ campaign informed the world about all the Philippines has to offer, now that the tourists are actually coming, this campaign is the natural sequel. “It’s a snapshot of the best the Philippines can offer. By telling the tourists where to find the best things, we are able to position ourselves differently,” said Robby de Luzuriaga, chief operating officer of IDMI.
With all the features and benefits of the Digital Kiosk, IDMI are still open to improvements and suggestions on how to make the project beneficial for both local travellers and tourists.
For inquiries and suggestions, please drop a line at Robby.deluzuriaga@idmi.com.ph
Sponsor
Information. More Fun in the Philippines. The Department of Tourism seals the deal with Illuminate Dynamic Media Inc., which will see the installation of digital information kiosks in strategic areas nationwide. (L to R) IDMI managing director Richard Leoncio, IDMI president and CEO Mike Aguilar, DoT secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr., and Office of the Secretary legal, policy, and technical officer Atty. Christer Gaudiano.
