The Province of Cebu, together with the Department of Tourism (DOT), is gearing up for the United Nations Tourism Organization (UNTO) Joint Commission Forums slated for next week, from June 26 to 28.
The Philippines was chosen as the host for this year's Tourism Forum for countries in Asia and the Pacific after Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco was chosen as United Nations World Tourism Organization's vice president during its 25th General Assembly last year, and chairperson of the UNTO Commission for East Asia and the Pacific.
In the Philippines, Cebu is the obvious choice as venue being the number one province in the entire country and the top-of-mind tourism and events destination in Asia.
Gov. Gwen Garcia has called upon mayors, tourism officers, and other stakeholders to ensure meticulous preparation for the Technical Tour, one of the events during the three-day forum. During the meeting, Gov. Garcia announced that the Provincial Government would be releasing subsidies to the local government units that will be part of the one-day tour, particularly the destinations to be visited by the delegates.
More than three hundred delegates from 30 UNTO member countries across Asia and the Pacific, including Australia, Japan, China, Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Laos, Vietnam, Spain, and others, are expected to attend. Of the 300 delegates, they will be divided into three groups: One group will visit Camotes Island for an island tour; Another group will explore Dalaguete and Argao for a heritage tour. The third group will head to Aloguinsan for an eco-tour of Hermit's Cove and Bojo River Cruise.
A Gala Night and Fashion Show will be hosted at the Capitol, showcasing creations by renowned international designer Furne One Amato, who hails from the municipality of Barili.
The UN Tourism Commission meetings is a yearly activity of the members of the United Nations Tourism for Asia-Pacific, including UNTO affiliate members, tourism ministers, tourism officers, tourism stakeholders, and others. This year also marks the inaugural inclusion of Gastronomy Tourism, focusing on the cuisine of various tourist destinations. | PIO