Tourism advancement forum held in Armm

THE Department of Tourism–Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DOT-Armm) has conducted a forum on multi-sectoral perspective on the advancement of the tourism industry in the autonomous region.

Armm DOT chief Nassreena Sampaco-Baddiri said the forum’s discussion was premised on the “Path to Peace” with insights from security forces, legislators and tourism advocates underlying current stature of Armm.

Baddiri said the forum, held on Thursday, was in line with the celebration of World Tourism Day, which is being observed every September 27 of the year.

“Sustainable community based tourism development generates economic benefits whereas partnership with the security sector, a must, given that peace and tourism development works alongside,” Baddiri said.

With the partnership, Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade commander Brigadier General Daniel Lucero said that synergy is the key to converge everyone in achieving national interest.

“People and community based planning with support from the locals constitute an effective framework,” Lucero said.

“A responsive tourism plan, nurtures, celebrate, and up skills tourism culture,” Lucero added.

Assemblywoman Samira Gutoc-Tomawis accentuated the challenge to be proactive tourism advocates while accessing all possible measures to promote Armm.

“Tourism industry is the 21st Century income earner and sustainable eco-tourism of Armm must be campaigned even in our daily routine with the easy access as to social media,” she said.

Maguindanao first district Congresswoman Bai Sandra Sema avowed further tourism promotion of historical landmarks.

“Tourism has rippling effect, a positive activity produce affirmative results,” Sema declared.

To be a tourism champion, Sema said “one has to believe, and at the outset, it has to be instituted straight from the heart.” (Bong Garcia)