The local government of Bacolod has officially introduced its new tourism tagline to tourism investors who converge at the SMX Convention Center for the first face-to-face Tourism Stakeholders’ Meeting.
“Smile, You’re in Bacolod”, the city’s new tourism branding was formally announced to the tourism sector by newly appointed Chief Tourism Operations Officer Ma. Teresa Manalili.
She described “Smile, You’re in Bacolod” as simple, but consistent enough to build awareness and create an “emotional connection” between the brand and its target, adding that there will always be that special feeling for a Bacolodnon to reminisce, look forward and be proud that the city has grown by leaps and bounds.
The city’s tourism chief added that “Smile, You’re in Bacolod is more than just an advertising slogan, a logo or a song. It lives, it breathes and it speaks to you. It’s the amazing truth that no matter where you’re from, but when you come here, you’re a Bacolodnon,” explained Manalili.
“Bacolod is more than just our MassKara Festival, our art, piaya and chicken inasal. It captivates you and leaves wanting more,” she emphasized.
Manalili admitted that building a new brand for Bacolod tourism entails a realistic vision that will go beyond creating a traditional tagline.
The gathering highlighted, as well as the LGU’s tourism roadmap that will entice foreign and local travellers to visit Bacolod following the ease of restrictions and travel requirements as announced by the Department of Tourism and the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases.
“I am enthusiastic and confident that we will be working and healing together as one after the impactful effect of the pandemic to our local tourism sector.
“With all these new developments, there is no other way but up. We are on our way to recovery. In God’s perfect time, we will all heal together,” said Manalili.
The Offfice’s major goal, she added, is to exceed the city’s tourism arrival target and receipts by 2022 and onwards; be the top visited Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) destination in the region by 2024; a DOT-accredited culinary tourism destination by 2023; relieve #LoveBacolod Culture and Heritage; push for a Clean City Tourism and to make Bacolod as the safest and digitized Tourism City in the region by 2024.
