DOT urges Central Luzon tourism officers to attend meet

By Joelyn G. Baluyut

Wednesday 8th of August 2012

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Aug 8 (PIA) -- The Department of Tourism (DOT) in Central Luzon has urged local tourism stakeholders to join the first Association of Tourism Officers of Central Luzon (Acotel) Regional Conference. This will be held at Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center in Subic Bay Freeport, Olongapo City, Zambales on August 16 and 17.

The celebration is anchored on the theme “Sharing responsibility with local government units (LGU) for tourism development.”

The DOT said the conference aims to update participants on the important provisions Republic Act No. 9593, or the National Tourism Act of 2009, particularly the national tourism development plan in relation to the evolving needs and capabilities of LGUs, including domestic and global market trends.

It also intends to require local tourism officers to report on the preparation and implementation of their local tourism development plans, enforcement of tourism standards for tourism enterprises and gathering of statistical data on tourist arrivals including inventory of all the resources available to ensure consistency with national policies and programs pursuant to the provisions of the act.

To update participants on the plans and programs of the attached agencies of the department such as the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP), Philippine Tourism Promotions Board (PTPB), Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) which will ensure consistency with the tourism development plans of LGUs; and to promote the development of community-based rural tourism and encouraging the approach of generating income in rural areas thru travel and tourism-related activities.

The conference will discuss presentations on the role of LGUs in the implementation of the National Tourism Development Plan, International and domestic tourism promotions and global trends, impact of retirement program on tourism industry, income-generating activities in rural areas.

Atocel is composed of all LGU-based provincial, city, municipal tourism officers in Central Luzon whose principal function is to ensure the implementation of the act.

For those interested, you may contact John Manalac or Peter De Guzman of DOT at 045-625-8525, 0939-904-5231, 0917-506-2221, or visit its satellite office at G/F Marlim Mansions Hotel Bldg., Diamond Subd., Balibago, Angeles City. (RMB/JGB-PIA3)