WV has key role in mega-regions project
The Western Visayas region has a very significant role in the Arroyo administration's mega-regions project as far as tourism promotion is concerned.
This was given emphasis by Regional Development Council (RDC) chair Governor Sally Perez of Antique during the opening of the Western Visayas Tourism Assembly last Monday.
Perez said the region has many resources which could be used in the tourism promotion. This includes the white-sand beach of Boracay Island. She said Boracay is considered the first of the three jewels in central Philippines. The other two are Cebu and Bohol. "We are very fortunate that we have the crown jewel," Perez noted.
In her opening speech, Perez also expressed that the holding of the assembly will enable the people in the region to see, enjoy and savor the best that the region can offer. "We should concentrate on the promotion of provincial tourism," she said.
The holding of the tourism assembly here is meant to incorporate tourism and new marketing strategies in order to promote the tourism industry of Western Visayas. The tourism assembly is sponsored by the Department of Tourism Region 6 and the Iloilo City government.
Perez thanked the cooperation of the various local government units in the region with regard to the holding of the weeklong affair. She ushered the officials concerned to make the event highly successful.
Part of the event is the exhibit of products native to every province of Western Visayas. Venue of the exhibit is SM City Iloilo. Each day, every province will also present a cultural showcase.
Meanwhile, Tourism Secretary Ace Durano is the keynote speaker in today's (Wednesday) Westrn Visayas Tourism Forum. In the forum several topics will be discussed. Among the topics in the forum are: "Destination management: Making tourists look forward for another visit"; "Heritage tourism: Looking back to the future"; "Wellness tourism: Shaping a healthy tourism industry; and Relevant tourism education: Molding globally competitive tourism professionals."
In the forum, it is also expected that the department will give an update on the implementation of Western Visayas Tourism Action Plan for 2010.