International Tourism Day 2017
International Tourism Day 2017 was held at Dusit Thani Manila last September 27, 2017. The event highlighted a lot with regards to the promotion of Tourism in the country. Some of the speakers include Mr. Walter Van Hattum; DOT Undersecretary, Ms. Alma Rita Jimenez; Ms. Rosanna Tuason Forres; Ms. Aileen Clemente; Mr. Ehan Balaban; and Mr. Dave Pimentel.
/IMAGE Facebook: Spanish Chamber of Commerce in The Philippines – La Cáma
The International Tourism Day 2017 focused on Sustainable Tourism – a Tool for Development. Celebrated in line with the 2017 International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, the Day will be dedicated to exploring the contribution of tourism to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
IMAGE Facebook: Spanish Chamber of Commerce in The Philippines – La Cámara
One of the most important talks highlighted was the talk headed by DOT Undersecretary, Ms. Alma Rita Jimenez who talked about the Government Tourism Plan 2017-2022 which gave emphasis on stability influenced by rapid changes, profitability, and the tourism industry becoming stronger yet more vulnerable. She also discussed that patronage the Filipino locals give is seen and considered as the biggest factor in the promotion of tourism in the country. She also introduced some of the government projects that will include ILOG or the Inclusive Local Growth through river tourism, a market themed river cruises that will strengthen the nature-based tourism, education tourism, and the cultural tourism.
IMAGE Facebook: Spanish Chamber of Commerce in The Philippines – La Cámara
This event was celebrated in order to:
- Address the things that unite and divide us as a nation in promoting the tourism industry of the country
- Collaborate with different organizations in strengthening the Philippine tourism
- Observe the continuity to achieve inclusive growth
- Give hope for the country by making it more fun in the Philippines
- Making the Philippines a full tourism circuit in 5-years time
Aside from the talks regarding the promotion of the country’s tourism industry, disruption and opportunity in the tourism industry were also discussed by Mr. Erhan Balaban and from Mr. Dave Pimentel. “In order for a country to achieve continuous growth through tourism, there should be new adventures in store for all people, allocation of higher income, and observance of reduced cost,” Pimentel said.
However, to also achieve all these, Balaban said “we should all embrace change and see disruptions as opportunities for the tourism industry.”
Also Read: International Tourism Day Forum
Written By Patricia Antoinette M. Nacianceno
Image Source: The Spanish Chamber of Commerce Philippines Facebook page
