Tuesday, March 06, 2007 Angeleño's contribution to tourism cited
ANGELES CITY -- Citing his outstanding contributions to the promotion of tourism in the country, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo awarded the 2007 Most Inspiring Tourism Entrepreneur Award to mapmaker Ariel Jersey at the Mall of Asia in Manila on Saturday.
Arroyo was assisted by Tourism Secretary Ace Durano and Presidential consultant for entrepreneurship Jose Ma. Concepcion III in giving the award to Angeles City-based Jersey during the simple ceremonies of the Turismo Negosyo awards.
Jersey, owner of E-Z Maps Travel Publications, was chosen to receive the award for introducing the Philippines to the international tourism map through his publication of EZ Maps.
Durano and Concepcion noted that Jersey's accomplishments in the tourism industry have inspired others to promote the country and its rich socio-cultural heritage and make use of the Philippines' innate sense of creativity, hard work and prosperity into sustainable business endeavors.
Alongside of his publication business, Jersey has also been actively involved in civic activities in the province.
Jersey is the president of the Rotary Club of Angeles City Midtown and was inducted as chairman of the Former Base Workers Cooperative Inc. (FBWCI) on Sunday.
He established EZ Maps in 1995 and has since published at least 60 brochures of tourist destinations all over the country including Cebu, Davao, Manila, and many other parts in Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao. His company that started with only five maps now has published 30 different maps of various cities in the country.
At present, EZ Maps has 800 retail outlets throughout the country.
Jersey said EZ Maps is now producing five atlases for Luzon, the Visayas, Philippine Travel, Metro Manila Street Guide, and Cebu Street Guide. (DMF)
