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| FULL PACK - Tourism Congress Members and Stakeholders attend the event |
Last January 31, 2013 the Philippine Tourism Congress was
held gathering all members of the industry. This is the second time the tourism
congress was held. Compared last year where it is beset by problems on how to
maximize this tool, the Tourism Congress this year is full of positive reports.
In addition, the Tourism Congress is a forum where members, as far as Mindanao
region, were able to voice their concerns.
The event’s theme “Philippine Tourism Towards Global
Competitiveness and Sustainability” is very evident in the roster of speakers
and the updates presented to the congress.
The Tourism Congress was attended by Hon. Ramon Jimenez,
Sec. of the Department of Tourism, Under Secretary Daniel Corpuz, Tourism
Planning and Promotions, Under Secretary Ma. Victoria Jasmin, Tourism
Regulation, Coordination and Resource Generation, Hon. Domingo Ramon Enerio
III, COO, Tourism Promotions Board, Hon. Lorenzo Formoso, COO, Duty Free
Philippines, Hon. Mark Lapid, COO, TIEZA.
All official gave positive reports that energize the congress. One of the positive news these officials shared is the breaching of 4 Million visitors that was achieved last year. Also, another thing to rejoice is the approved infrastructure projects that will definitely impact the progress of the industry.
I also wanted to give special mention to the emphasis place by
Hon. Enerio about the emphasis on MICE Development and Promotion. However, I
wish that besides promoting the country as a MICE destination, the government
should have mentioned programs and incentives for MICE Players – I hope my ear
is just weak but I did not hear anything on this aspect.
Important topics that were discussed in the event are: Philippine
Tourism Towards Global Competitiveness by Mr. Grant Govertsen, Co-Founder and
Managing Partner, Union Gaming Research; Hospitality and Service Excellence for
Global Competitiveness by Mr. Sean Mahoney, ADB Consultant on Skills
Development Program for the Philippine Tourism Industry; Sustainable Tourism:
Striking a Balance Between the Visitor – Experience, Natural Asset Protection
and Direct Community Benefit.
The Davao delegation invitation for delegates to attend the
MICECON 2013 is also a fresh sight in the event. The invitation is simple yet
creative. Kudos, Davao and right now I know MICECON 2013 is successful because
of the very hardworking and responsible Davao team.
The event is also allowed me to reconnect to old
acquaintances and partners. Everybody is in a jovial mood. All the people I
talked with are messengers of good news. No doubt, the Tourism Industry is on
the upswing.
Right now, the country is the Darling of ASEAN. The economic
indicators and the thumbs up we are receiving from financial analysts support
this fact. But the challenge is to make this growth meaningful to our
countrymen and sustainable – this is a challenge all players must join hands to
realize.
However, for now what happened and what was accomplished
will suffice.
Again, congratulations to a very meaningful tourism congress
and let us all go back to buckle down to work.
- Monday, February 04, 2013
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