Monday, October 02, 2006

Big Tourism Powwow All Set in Iloilo

It's all systems go for the first Western Visayas Tourism Assembly scheduled on October 23 to 29, 2006. Organized by the Department of Tourism-Region 6, the seven-day affair will highlight the region's diverse tourist attractions and will likewise serve as a venue for stakeholders to identify, discuss and resolve current issues facing the tourism industry in Western Visayas.

According to DoT Regional Director Edwin Trompeta, they have lined up several events to help attract tourism stakeholders in the region, such as:

1. a Regional Tourism Exhibit at SM City-Iloilo showcasing products and destinations in the region. So far, 32 sellers and 60 buyers from all over the country have been invited to join the Regional travel exchange/mart.

2. daily cultural shows featuring each of the provinces comprising Region 6

3. Symposium on Tourism on October 25 wherein DOT Secretary Ace Durano will unveil the details of the Central Philippines Tourism Master Plan for the very first time.

4. Parade of festivals on October 27 wherein 15 festivals from all over Western Visayas will join in the parade. The Miss Tourism Beauty Pageant is also scheduled to be held later that night. The winner will serve as the region's "Ambassador of Goodwill."

5. 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.

6. Recognition / Awarding of outstanding tourism frontliners, local government units and other stakeholders with some 32 awards in 23 categories up for grabs.

Governor Sally Perez said that they also invited President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to grace the opening of the WV Tourism Assembly.

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