DOT gamifies "It's More Fun" tourism campaign!

Yes, you've read it right. The Department of Tourism brings MORE FUN to the next level by officially launching the Fun Ambassador website. We all know that It's More Fun in the Philippines tourism campaign became viral when it was launched in 2012 and as of today, there are almost 94 million search results about it on Google alone. It was and still is a big hit, not only for Filipinos but for tourists too! 

After 2 years and millions of memes, DOT now is ready to supercharge the campaign by creating more FUN AMBASSADORS through the use of social media and application of concepts like gamification as well as fun theory.  

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What is a 
Fun Ambassador? 

You are basically an advocate of It's More Fun in the Philippines tourism campaign, someone who believes in the power of social media to influence people in their travel choices. 

Gamification of Fun = Unlimited Source of Bliss

What is Gamification? In simple terms, it is the application of game concepts and mechanics to a task to make it more fun, enticing, engaging and yes, less boring!  Imagine yourself doing something for work or assignment without having that heavy feeling because it feels like you're just playing even though you're actually working. 

According to wikipedia, the term Gamification was coined by a British-born program and inventor Nick Palling in 2002 but it only gained popularity in 2010. Even with little observation, you'll also notice that the concept of gamification is closely related to Fun Theory. 

Fun Theory was initiated by Volkswagen  in 2009. It focuses on the thought that "something as simple as fun is the easiest way to change people’s behavior for the better. Be it for yourself, for the environment, or for something entirely different, the only thing that matters is that it’s change for the better."

Create your own meme

Check this slideshow for some of my fun photos and It's More Fun in the Philippines Meme. 

We've witnessed how international brands incorporate FUN in their various marketing campaigns that is why as a Filipino marketing professional, I'm really delighted to see how the Department of Tourism is elevating Philippine tourism promotions to an international level with the use of these concepts. For me, this is a strong statement that we are really thinking about global marketing standards while staying true to our local roots. 

Philippines as the Brand, 
FUN as the USP or in this case Experiential Positioning and
 Filipinos as the best marketer. 

Follow these 4 Simple Steps to become a
Philippine Fun Ambassador

STEP 1: Sign-up or authorize your existing social media account. 
In my case, I initially authorized my twitter account when I  signed-up and upon log-in, I was able to view my profile which contains some basic information.   

Your profile looks like a simplified timeline.

You can edit your Fun Ambassador profile but please take note that you cannot change the thumbnail photo as of this time. 

STEP 2 : Create a fun meme. 
You don't have to use a different meme generator just to be able to join the fun. In the Fun Ambassador website, you can directly make one and share it on your Facebook and Twitter without leaving the site. All you have to do is choose a picture from the gallery and be witty! 

STEP 3 : Donate your fun photos 
Time to browse your photo albums and publish your your files for a good cause! Share your great shots and who knows, you might see it on the next advertising material of DOT. While you cannot earn from this, I bet you'll feel good when you see your travel photos in the billboard, calling cards, magazines, flyers and others. For sure you'll be happy when you realize how your photo can make this campaign a lot more fun!  

STEP 4 :  Be active. Have More Fun. Share More Fun. 
There are countless reasons why It's More Fun in the Philippines. For sure you will ever run out of ideas and stories so continue traveling around the Philippines as you constantly update your Fun Ambassador profile. Earn more Fun Score. Blog more! Don't forget to have fun and share the fun!

Imagine having an unlimited sources of fun?! 

A week ago, I finally made it to the top of the leaderboard and became the
 #1 Fun Ambassador. Now you believe me that it's really FUN and easy right?!! Sign-up now and you too can make it! 

French tourists and volunteers whom I befriended during their visit in Bicol Region.