RP TOURIST ARRIVAL TARGET SURPASSED
Manila, Dec. 28, 1997 - The Philippine tourism industry not only survived the economic turmoil that lashed the region, it even flourished as European, American and Australian travellers discovered what a bargain paradise the country's seven thousand islands offer.
Yesterday, top officials of the Department of Tourism welcomed the year's 2,200,000th visitor: a rugby player and stuntman from Australia.
Tall, good-looking and looking forward to days on the beach, athlete Tony Edward Rose was pleasantly surprised when, upon alighting from his flight, he was met by a band and two beautiful Filipinas clad in the native Baro't Saya. Garlands of sampaguita were hung on his neck and a crown of sampaguita buds was placed on his head.
Rose had played rugby in the Philippines in 1995 and was fulfilling his dream of returning for a vacation.
He received a free round-trip ticket to Australia, two nights at the Manila Hotel, and visits to many of the country's top resorts.
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