All set for WV tourism gab
Tourism in Western Visayas will get another boost with the holding of the Western Visayas Tourism Assembly from October 23-29, 2006. RDC Chairperson Governor Salvacion Perez said RDC is strongly endorsing the assembly.
The activity will enable tourism stakeholders to discuss, identify and resolve issues that would pave the way for a seamless integration to Central Philippines Tourism, according to DOT Regional Director Edwin Trompeta.
It will be recalled that under the mega region strategy of the President, the Central Philippines Cluster, composed of regions 5, 6 together with Romblon and Palawan, 7 and 8 will focus on Tourism.
The assembly is a 7-day meet to highlight, promote and showcase the diversity of the tourism attractions, services and facilities of the different areas of region 6. Director Trompeta said the Western Visayas Assembly is actually a follow-up of the region�s participation in WOW Philippines. Whereas before, participants went to Intramurals in Metro Manila, they now decided to change the venue to the region. For this reason, the DOT Director said they have designed eight events for 7 days to attract tourism stakeholders.
The seven-day activity will feature a Regional Tourism Exhibit that will be held at the LGF of SM city. It will have an exhibition of products as well as a destination promotion activity.
So far 32 sellers and 60 buyers from all over the country have been invited to join the Regional travel exchange/Mart. TRAVEX will enable one-on-one tabletop negotiations between tourism buyers and sellers.
A daily cultural show from October 23-29 will likewise be held. Each of the provinces in Western Visayas will sponsor a cultural day where they will feature cultural shows, dances and music.
One of the highlights will be the Regional Forum on October 25 with Secretary Ace Durano as the guest speaker. For the first time, Secretary Durano will discuss the highlights of the Central Philippines tourism Plan.
A recognition of the frontlines, stakeholders, practitioners and LGUs will also be made. Some 32 awards in 23 categories are up for grabs according to DOT.
Likewise, another highlight will be the parade of festivals on October 27 where 15 festivals from all over Western Visayas will join in the parade. Miss WV Tourism will also be selected later that night, who will serve as the WV Ambassadress of Goodwill and promote the region.
A two-day food festival will simultaneously be held at the SM City, participated in by its tenants and at Delgado Street, sponsored by the Hotel and Restaurants Association.
Governor Salvacion Perez revealed that together with Mayor Jerry Trenas, they have invited President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to grace the opening of the WV Tourism Assembly. (PIA6)