Philippines not welcome tourists seeking "darker reasons"

The Philippine government welcomes foreign tourists who are seeking "good, clean fun and excitement" and not for "darker reasons," a senior government official said on Friday. This was in response to the statement made by United States Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr. who earlier said that up to "40 percent" of foreign male tourists come to the Philippines for sex. "The statistics the good ambassador cited are not what our official statistics reflect," Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. said. He said DOT's data showed that shopping and sightseeing are the dominant activities for both male and female tourists visiting the country. "Our message to all tourists is simple: you are welcome to the Philippines anytime for good, clean fun and excitement. If you are coming for darker reasons, we don't need your business," he said.