CLARK FREEPORT -- The Department of Tourism (DOT)–Central Luzon, together with the Alliance of Travel and Tour Agencies of Pampanga (Attap) and the Pampanga Agents Travel Society (Pats), will lead the celebration of World Tourism Day (WTD) on September 29 with a fun run at the Clark Parade Grounds.
DOT-Central Luzon Director Ronaldo Tiotuico said Attap and Pats are represented by their presidents, Marcia Hernandez and Roelson Ferry, during the event, which will start at 5 a.m.
“The forthcoming event will usher in the coming of age of travel and tourism industry of Central Luzon as it now begins to evolve to greater stature due to the forging of a stronger partnership between the government and the private sector,” Tiotuico said.
The fun run symbolizes the achievements of the private sector in bringing about a good number of foreign and local tourists and travelers into the region as it begins to hit the 2 million mark in visitor arrivals since 2012, Tiotuico added.
“Central Luzon has joined the ranks of millionaires’ row in the realm of attracting visitors to the various regions all over the country,” he said.
The event also represents the industry’s collaboration and adherence with the United Nation's (UN) General Assembly as the UN International Year of Water Cooperation focusing on tourism’s significant role and contribution to worldwide water conservation efforts.
As an economic sector, tourism is a powerful force capable of tackling the challenge by offering effective solutions geared towards a more sustainable water future. With people traveling all over the world each year, tourism can also be an important vehicle of raising awareness and changing behaviors, Tiotuico said.
With this year’s WTD theme, “Tourism and Water: Protecting our Common future," the tourism department hopes to gather some 1,000 local and foreign runners in a single event with each one being reminded of the need to underline one’s responsibility and commitment to preserving the world’s vital water resources.
This year’s fun run will have four distance categories -- 21-kilometer (21K), 10K, 5K, and 3K with their corresponding registration fees of P850, P650, P450 and P300, respectively.
More than P80,000 worth of cash prizes, medals and certificates are at stake. Each participant will receive free jersey, race kit, race bib, and race map.
Part of the proceeds from the event will be donated to the Special Education Center of the Department of Education in Angeles City.
The donation will be used in conversion of the facilities of persons with disabilities into barrier-free environment.
For further details and registration for the event, contact any of the member travel agencies of either Attap or Pats, or call the Department of Tourism–Central Luzon Office at Marlim Mansions Hotel Bldg., Diamond Subd., Balibago, Angeles City, with telephone number (045) 625-8525 or mobile numbers 0917-506-2221 / 0939-904-5231.