TOURISM Secretary Alberto Lim on Wednesday said he hopes to see an increase in domestic travels with the launch of the first of three songs and music videos of “Pilipinas, Tara Na” domestic branding campaign.

He said improving domestic travels have direct impact on the domestic economy as it lifts people from poverty and provide them with decent jobs.

“Any impetus in local tourism can impact more quickly and extensively toward the growth of the economy and the improvement in incomes and standard of living of all Filipinos who are already employed or will be employed in the travel and hospitality business,” said Lim. He added domestic travels remain to be the backbone of the Philippine tourism industry, saying total revenues from domestic travels last year reached P100 billion.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) launched the first of three “Pilipinas, Tara Na!” songs and music videos that feature tourist destinations in the country. The songs are updated versions of the 2004 DOT’s “Byahe Tayo” song that showcased festivals and attractions in many provinces.

“We are very happy to finally present the MTV and we salute all the participating artists who have contributed their time and talents for free, to make a pitch for domestic tourism,” Lim said.