THERE’S a growing anticipation on the visit of Miss Universe candidate next year in the Summer Capital.

The Miss Universe contestants will arrive in Baguio on a flight chartered by the local organizers and will attend the various activities that will be finalized for their short stint in the city before flying back to Manila for their coronation night.

Security during the visit will be tight that is why organizers want to confine them to a limited area during their tour at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), Camp John Hay (CJH), BCC and the Presidential Mansion.

During their one day visit, the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Baguio will shell out at least P15 million for the brief tours in the Summer Capital.

While the event is private led, the city government lauded the efforts of the association in a bid to bring international exposure for Baguio, which remains a top tourist destination because of its ideal climate.

Mayor Mauricio Domogan underscored the importance of partnering with the private sector in pursuing the realization of noble projects that will boost the local tourism industry in line with this year’s 107th Baguio Charter Day anniversary theme of “Fostering a Meaningful Change through Synergy and Cooperation.”

All individuals and groups responsible for putting Baguio in the Miss Universe itinerary deserve a pat on the back.

HRAB should also be given appropriate commendations because it speaks well of the vibrant partnership between the government and the private sector in the successful conduct of events that is geared towards aggressively promoting the city in the international scene.

More than the Miss Universe visit, conceptualizing and implementing a year-round activities to help draw more foreign and domestic visitors in the city is important.

But these means the private sector and the government should have a close coordination and teamwork among the involved stakeholders to avoid issues on credit grabbing.

r