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Official Publication of the Philippine Information Agency Bicol Regional Office, in cooperation with the RIAC-REDIRAS - RDC Bicol



Thursday, October 3, 2013

Legazpi City hosts 2013 national tourism officers confab

BY: SALLY A. ATENTO

Legazpi City, Oct. 2 (PIA) – Around 1,300 tourism stakeholders all over the country convened starting today here for the 14th National Convention of the Association of Tourism Officers in the Philippines (ATOP).

“We are expecting around 1,300 participants including tourism officers and members of various tourism councils from the 16 regions of the country which so far, is the biggest delegation within 14 years," said Legazpi City Mayor Noel Rosal.

"This event is one way for us to link with other local government units in pushing our advocacy to promote tourism not only in this city but also in Albay and the entire Bicol region,” he said

Legazpi City, home of the world famous Mayon Volcano, is also dubbed as the rising convention hub in the country as it hosted several national and regional meetings, conventions and exhibitions in the past two years.

The ATOP convention is the 14th national event held here this year.

“Legazpi is a very beautiful place. With all the natural wonders and destinations and unique Bicolano culture, it is like a magnet that attracts both local and foreign tourists,” said ATOP President Miguel L. Sison.

Sison added Legazpi has been chosen to host the convention due to three major considerations.

“First is development. Our people are here to experience and learn how tourism development takes place in areas and communities. Legazpi was able to do and it is something that we can emulate. Second, this city and the province in general are rich in natural wonders such as Mayon, Cagsawa and many others. And lastly, tourism advocacy is the major factor. Mayor Rosal, together with Albay governor Joey Salceda are champions of tourism advocacy showcasing not only the natural destinations but the culture as well,” Sison stressed.

For the opening ceremonies, the delegates together with government officials and ATOP officers will be having a parade wearing their traditional or regional customes from Quezon Avenue to Ibalong Center for Recreation (ICR) in Bitano.

All delegates are invited to a guided immersion tour  on the second day showcasing the best tourism destinations and practices in the three districts comprising the province.

To be featured for the first district are coron making, cutlery making, stone house, karagumoy and hand-made paper of Sto. Domingo. For the second district they will be visiting the Lignon Hill, sanitary landfill in Banquerohan, Legazpi Ecopark, Daraga church, Cagsawa ruins and pamaypay-making of Bascaran. To be highlighted for the third district, together with the pinangat of Camalig and its old houses are longganisa de Guinobatan, Puto Oas, Kawa-Kawa of Ligao, Calamay of Polangui and products of Libon.

Among the topics to be discussed are the salient points of RA 9593 or Tourism Act of 2009 and its implementation in the local government units (LGUs), the importance of multi-stakeholders partnership in local governance and the role of social media and present trends in destination marketing.  The experiences and practices in the development of Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo city will also be discussed along with the revisions in the measures, criteria and mechanics in rewarding best local tourism practices.

Also expected to highlight the convention is the awarding ceremonies for the Pearl Awards, the recognition given by ATOP and the Deaprtment of Tourism to best tourism practices in the country.

During the convention, the delegates will also be treated to dinners hosted by Rosal, Albay Gov.Joey Salceda, and the Department of Tourism.

ATOP is the national association of tourism officers formed in 2000 to help professionalize frontline visitor service in local governments and create a forum for collaboration and advocacy. (MAL/SAA-PIA5/Albay)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=2571380701438#sthash.FzMAYIM1.dpuf

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