The Department of Tourism held an appreciation dinner for all stakeholders in Cebu that helped make the United Nations Tourism Organization (UNTO) Joint Commission Forum a resounding success in June this year.
However, it is DOT that should be thanked for bringing the important tourism-related convention in Cebu, a concrete proof of the agency’s trust and confidence in Cebu’s capacity as events venue even if they be international in nature.
“Salamat, Department of Tourism, kay inyo gyong gipili ang Sugbo nga venue sa maong makasaysaynon nga event,” Gov. Gwen Garcia said in her speech at the Appreciation Program and Convergence Gathering held at the Radisson Blu Hotel on September 23.
On June 26-28, Cebu hosted the 36th Joint Meeting of the UN Tourism Commission for East Asia and the Pacific and the UN Tourism Commission for South Asia (36th CAP-CSA), alongside the first UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Asia and the Pacific.
It brought together at least 300 delegates from 30 UNTO-member countries across Asia and the Pacific, including notable participants from Australia, Japan, China, South Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Laos, Vietnam, and Spain.
“We Cebuanos proudly accepted the challenge kay usa god ni ka Sugboanon ang atong Secretary of Tourism,” the governor said, proudly referring to her daughter Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco.
For her part, Secretary Frasco said the Cebuano excellence, passion, and creativity was on full display during the event, ensuring the monumental success of the UNTO events here.
“The success of these events was no small feat; it required careful planning, unwavering dedication and a shared vision of excellence. And it is because of the unity and commitment of the people of Cebu in partnering with Department of Tourism that these events were not just successful but truly exceptional,” the Tourism Chief added.
The Cebu Provincial Government organized technical tours for the delegates, showcasing three top tourist destinations in the province, namely an island tour at the Camotes Group of Islands; a heritage tour in Dalaguete and Argao; and an eco-tour of Aloguinsan’s Hermit’s Cove and Bojo River Cruise. | BJR