THE City Government of San Fernando, through its City Tourism Office, kicked off Thursday, September 27, the Tourism Week at Robinsons Starmills.
This year's celebration is themed "Tourism and Digital Transformation."
City Tourism Officer Ching Pangilinan said the event itself acknowledges tourism as an instrument of progress toward accelerated national development, unity and identity as a nation by using the digital network.
"Digital advances transform how we connect and inform ourselves, encouraging innovation and sustainability," Pangilinan said.
Pangilinan also said the use of technology can improve entrepreneurship, inclusion, local community empowerment and efficient resource management, among other development objectives.
"We need to support our tourism activities and communities. We can all be ensured that everything is inclusive and sustainable," Pangilinan added.
A teaser for this year's 110th Giant Lantern Festival has also been launched by the Giant Lantern Festival Executive Committee Chairperson Engr. Alex Patio and the members of the executive committee by unveiling the calendar of events and ceremonial lighting of a San Fernando lantern.
During an interview, Patio said people can expect many activities in the upcoming months, especially in December.
"We really have to be proud that our city made an impact all over the world due to our giant lantern festival. We are all inviting everyone to come to San Fernando and experience our culture, tourism and festivals," Patio said.
For her part, Acting Provincial Tourism Officer Nancy De Leon-Pestaño added that the tourism week celebration would make people realize that tourism would bring in revenues, not only to establishments but to service industries as well.
City officials, tourism officers, and guests witnessed the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Department of Tourism (DOT) on-site accreditation and the Central Luzon tourism exhibit and trade fair.
The DOT on-site accreditation is in partnership with DOT-Central Luzon, which supports mandatory DOT accreditation of tourism establishments in the city to guarantee excellent standards on tourism establishments.
The trade fair features 28 booths under the organization of the city and provincial governments, which showcases the best of Central Luzon's accommodations, attractions, services, and experiences.
Other Tourism Week events include a second Central Luzon tourism quiz bee (September 27); tourism summit (September 28); tourism and heritage awareness orientation for stakeholders (September 28); barangay tourism council orientation (September 28); San Fernando tourism STAR awards (September 28); DOT industry updates (September 28); and a tourism symposium (September 29).