2007 WV tourism assembly 'biggest' in RP, says DOT official
In line with the program of the national government of to make Visayas as the tourism capital of the country, the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 6 is set to stage the biggest tourism assembly in the country on November 12-18 through its 7-day assembly consisting of 9 tourism events.
The assembly aims to highlight, promote and showcase the diversity of tourism attractions, services and facilities of the different areas of Region VI. This event is co-hosted by the City of Bacolod and the Province of Negros Occidental.
DOT 6 Director Edwin Trompeta said this year's theme "Entrepreneurial Tourism: Beyond Tourist Arrivals" should be translated into generating income to the community through jobs and livelihood going beyond the number of tourist arrivals.
Trompeta said that the WVTA is a summit in the travel and tourism industry that seeks to combine the strength and tourism potentials of the six provinces and two highly urbanized cities in Region 6.
Jennylind Cordero, Negros Occidental Provincial Tourism Officer assured that the City of Bacolod and the Province of Negros Occidental are joining forces in hosting the event adding that both party will share in the tourist arrivals and investment opportunities that the WVTA is bringing.
The nine events lined-up for the week long assembly are: Regional Tourism Fair, Regional Travel Exchange, Regional Cultural Showcase, Regional Tourism Congress, Regional Tourism Excellence Awards, Tourism Olympics, Regional Food Festival, Search for Miss Western Visayas Tourism and the Regional Parade of Festivals.
Western Visayas is being positioned by the DoT as the Heritage and Resort Destination. The WVTA is expected to bring in 2,000 to 3,000 participants for the nine events.
DoT Secretary Ace Durano, Senator Richard Gordon, President of League of Cities President and Mandaluyong Mayor Benjamin Abalos Jr., Camarines Sur Governor Luis Villafuerte and Philippine Economic Zone Authority Commissioner Lilia de Lima are expected to grace the week-long Western Visayas Tourism Assmebly. (PIA/EAD)