Kalinga tourism council sets Tourism Month activities

By Geraldine G. Dumallig

Wednesday 29th of August 2012

TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Aug 29 (PIA) -- The Provincial Tourism Council (PTC) of Kalinga is preparing several activities for the celebration of World Tourism Month in September.

Provincial Tourism Officer Lorraine Ngao-I, in a meeting, presented a line-up of activities focused on the campaign and advocacy to involve key tourism sectors and the public in the tourism activities of the province.

First is the Chico clean-up drive, a follow-up of the “Piso Para sa Piso” campaign to advocate the preservation of the river. The Chico is a major tourist destination in the province for white water rafting attracting visitors not only locally but internationally.

Another major activity being proposed is the conduct of a Kalinga Tourism Assembly for mayors, tourism committee chairpersons, tourism officers, municipal planning and development officers, and other tourism key stakeholders.

The assembly, she said, would cover discussions on the salient features of the Tourism Act of 2009 and the provincial tourism development plans with speakers from the Department of Tourism Regional Office.

A fun run for a cause dubbed, "Takbo para sa Turismo 2012" is also being slated in Tabuk City from the Tampco Hotel and Restaurant to the Rotary marker in front of the Davidson Hotel.

“Proceeds will be used for indigenous items to be displayed at the Tourism Service Office for visiting guests and tourist to have a glimpse of the arts, culture and heritage of Kalinga,” she said.

Municipalities, she said, are also enjoined to participate in the planning of the proposed eco-tourism tour around the province to promote "Kalinga Shines" as part of Kalinga’s tourism slogan.

To ensure the proper recording and monitoring of tourist arrivals in the province, there is a proposal to establish a Tourism Registration Desk at the community police action center.

An orientation of Topcop or Tourist Oriented Police is also being proposed to help police understand better their role as one of the frontline service providers in the tourism industry of the province.

A photo and souvenir exhibit will also be put on display at the provincial capitol during the month showcasing the potential tourist spots of the province.

Culminating the event would be a provincial cultural presentation on World Tourism Day on September 27.

This event will be participated by the different municipalities of the province to showcase the uniqueness of their indigenous arts and music, she said. (GGD-PIA CAR, Kalinga)