An epic blunder has put Bali in the spotlight this week, resulting in an alternative kind of good promotion for the island.
The Philippines Tourism Board launched a new promotional campaign to attract tourists to the country; only they used stock footage of Bali in the video.
The promotional video titled Love Philippines was commissioned by the Philippines Tourism Board to an advertising agency called BBD Philippines.
The agency has since issued a formal apology for the error, which not only used stock footage of Bali but several other destinations absolutely not in the Philippines.
According to AFP, the Philippine government handed over USD 900,000 for the campaign, yet, it appears that the video contains mostly stock footage, much of which isn’t even of the Philippines.
The video also shows footage from Switzerland, the deserts of the United Arab Emirates, and Brazil, in addition to Indonesia.
The DDB has issued a statement acknowledging the improper use of stock video. They said, “The use of foreign stock footage in a campaign promoting the Philippines is highly inappropriate and contrary to the objectives of the DOT (Department of Tourism).”
An investigation is now underway, but it seems that all involved are in a damage-control situation. The video has been removed from the Philippines Tourism Boards’ social media, but other versions remain in circulation online.
The footage from Bali includes drone imagery of the iconic Tegalalang Rice Terrace that can be found just outside of Ubud. A landscape that is so famous in Bali, it regularly features in Wonderful Indonesia’s promotional material.
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Officials in Bali and at the central government of Indonesia have been forgiving and gracious about the error. In fact, they have noted that the story ultimately gives free advertising to the island.
In a statement, the Minister for Tourism and Creative Economies shared no hard feelings about the blunder.
He told the media, “I remember when I attended a meeting with the UNWTO (United National World Tourism Organization) Congress in Cambodia, I was shown a promotional video for Philippine tourism, which was widely discussed because it used scenes from Indonesia.”
Minster Uno continued, “I’m sure this is not a deliberate mistake of the Philippine government. As fellow ASEAN members, we must take an open attitude and see the positive side.”
“We have great opportunities for cooperation in making ASEAN a unified tourism destination. With good collaboration, we can create new jobs and revive the economy in both countries.”
@anna_sim21 Tegallalang rice terrace- spending #honestspending #spent #travel #bali #ubud #ricefield #baliswing #tegallalangriceterrace #tegallalang #southeastasia #backpacking ♬ Paradise – Bazzi
The Head of the Bali Provincial Tourism Office, Tjok Bagus Pemayun, was similarly relaxed about the issue and shared his concern that the error would reflect badly on the Philippines.
He shared, “It will actually be detrimental to [them] if later tourists find out because tourism promotion must be responsible to its customers. If you promote something that doesn’t match the facts, it will have a bad impact on the perpetrators.”
He added, “Don’t worry too much because the tourist attractions in Bali will not exist anywhere else in the world. [The uniqueness of] Bali, which is based on cultural values and local Balinese wisdom, will be difficult to compete with other regions.”
The Tegalalang Rice Terrace can be reached by a 20-30 minute drive from the center of Ubud and remains one of the most popular day trips for tourists on the island.
The Tegalalang Rice Terraces are one of five terraces in Bali that are protected by UNESCO World Heritage status.
Thousands of tourists visit the famous Tegalalang Rice Terrace every month. It is a site popular with domestic and international visitors alike.
A day trip to the rice paddies includes a relaxed walk amongst the fields, and many tourists enjoy a go on the now equally as famous Bali swings.
Many tourists also couple a trip to Tegalalang Rice Terrace with a coffee-tasting experience at one of the many coffee plantations nearby.
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Wayan Bo
Tuesday 11th of July 2023
The outstanding movie “Officer and Gentlemen” was done in Philippines.
Wayan Bo
Tuesday 11th of July 2023
Shouldn’t be misunderstood, could be good suggestion to make a break and fly from Bali to Philippines.
Randy
Saturday 8th of July 2023
Minister Uno continued, “I’m sure this is not a deliberate mistake of the Philippine government. As fellow ASEAN members, we must take an open attitude and see the positive side.”
“We have great opportunities for cooperation in making ASEAN a unified tourism destination. With good collaboration, we can create new jobs and revive the economy in both countries.”
As always the Indonesians have a good attitude and see things through in a positive way to smooth out differences or to save face. We can learn a whole lot from them. They are the nicest people and sadly to say some Westerners abused their kindness and patience here in Indonesia. Or even try to create animosity between religions, ethnicities and of various culture in the archipelago. Putting nonsense into their heads. Unity in diversity means a whole lot to the Indonesians. It has been a stable democracy so far.
It took me 10 years to understand their reasoning, culture and spiritual attitudes (regardless of their religion) to assimilate and to feel comfortable in their shoes. We may never be an ethnic Indonesian because of the skin color, race, or ethnicity. However one can always distant himself or herself from being an egoistical self-centered attitude while abroad. Know your place. Learn the local language if you are going to retire or live here and you would gain more friends that way. Unlike some Westerners who may have a chip on their shoulder when things do not swing their way or some has to compare with just about everything between home and here. Sigh.
Firechef
Sunday 9th of July 2023
@Randy, Well said, terima kasih Randy, apakabar?
Firechef
Sunday 9th of July 2023
@Randy, Terima kasih Randy,well said. Apa kabar?
Exp
Saturday 8th of July 2023
You need to get out more: Coconuts Fen 2021: "Indonesia ranked last in terms of online civility in the DCI survey, which Microsoft has conducted since 2016 in dozens of countries around the world “to promote safer, healthier, and more respectful online interactions among all people.” For this year’s edition of DCI, Microsoft surveyed over 16,000 teens and adults in more than 30 countries."
Shorty
Saturday 8th of July 2023
@Randy, Well said.
Elliot
Saturday 8th of July 2023
@Randy, Sounds like something Bon0 would say at one of his 'Save the starving children concerts'
Firechef
Saturday 8th of July 2023
Oh well, it's the Philippines, can't expect nothing less from the Marco's regime.
Harry EISERMANN
Monday 10th of July 2023
@Firechef, marcos regime?? Nothing to compair, hahaha Just ignored and corrupt as usual, making extra money the only intend, somebody made some pocket money... Ferdinand made Billions, not pesos, hahaha usd