Thursday, October 19, 2006 Assembly to explore W. Visayas’ tourism dev’t priorities
THE tourism potentials of Western Visayas will be like an open book showcasing colorful and unique destination attractions on October 23 to 29, 2006.
Director Edwin Trompeta of the Department of Tourism here said in a PIA interview that the activity is in line with the government’s development and investment plan for the country in recognition to the tourism industry’s role as one of the major engines for socio-economic development.
“Our focus is domestic tourism but we have to ensure that our local destinations are in synch with the promotional thrust of the National Government.”
During the Sona of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Central Philippines super region was declared as the tourism hub of the country. This super region comprises Regions 5 (Bicol Region), 6 (Western Visayas, 7 (Central Visayas) and 8, plus the provinces of Palawan and Romblon.
Trompeta said that the WV Tourism Assembly which will be participated by the six provinces of Region VI will be held at the SM City Activity Center, here with the theme focusing on “Sustaining Domestic Tourism: Turning Ideas Into Action”.
“To be able to sustain domestic tourism, specially with the local government units spearheading the promotions and marketing, we are actually in search for ideas and while there are many who are involved in the tourism industry there are also many ideas available and we would like to get those ideas, identify them, discuss these ideas, resolve them and get to agree on some basic initiatives that could help propel the industry forward,” Trompeta said.
He said, during the WV Tourism Assembly Parade of Festivals on October 27, the public will be given an opportunity to witness different festivals in Region 6 like Negros Occidental’s Masskara Festival (Bacolod City) and Babaylan Festival of Bago City; Iloilo- Pintados de Pasi (Passi City); Carabao-Carroza Festival (Pavia); Pandayan (Badiangan); Tinu-om (Cabatuan); Binanog (Lambunao); Pakuyang sa Tangyan (Igbaras); Tultugan (Maasin); Kahilwayan (Sta. Barbara); Cry of Jelicuon Festival (New Lucena); Saad (Leganes); Iloilo City- Dinagyang and Paraw Regatta; Aklan- Sto. Nino Ati-atihan (Kalibo); Bariw (Nabas); Ibajay Ati-atihan (Ibajay); Antique- Binirayan and Lauaan’s Pahinis; Capiz- Sinadya sa Halaran; and Guimaras- Manggahan.
Four major topics were identified to be discussed during the WV Tourism Forum, Trompeta said. These are Heritage Tourism, Wellness Tourism, Destination Management, and Relevant Education in Tourism.
Other highlights of the event include Cultural Showcase, Exhibit, Search for Miss Tourism, Food Festival, Travel Exchange/Mart. (PIA/T.Villavert)
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