Tourism chief: Yes, we placed ads on CNN

MANILA, Philippines – Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez said the government decided to place an ad on CNN to take advantage of the US-based cable channel’s plan to feature the Philippines.

The tourism ad, which www.interksyon.com reported on Tuesday, May 1, to be part of a P63-M package, was shown during gaps of CNN’s Asia-oriented show, which started airing days before the high-profile 2012 Asian Development Bank Governors Meeting on Wednesday, May 2.

At the 1st day of the ADB meeting, Jimenez said the recent CNN Talk Asia show, which featured Eye on the Philippines, was an editorial decision of the international network, and was not influenced by the Philippines.

“We found out they are interested in this ADB [Manila event]… so we talked about 3 weeks ago if we can place our ad,” Jimenez told Rappler, referring to the international version of the country’s tourism campaign “It’s more fun in the Philippines.”

It was around the time when talk of the Philippines’ hosting of the annual ADB gathering was already creating buzz, the tourism chief said.

“We have no hand in their editorial decision… They probably genuinely thought they have to give the Philippines the attention it deserves” he added. – Rappler.com