THE country’s gains in the domestic tourism industry takes center stage once again as the Association of Tourism Officers in the Philippines (Atop) held its 17th National Convention at the Royce Hotel and Casino in Clark Special Economic Zone, Pampanga, from October 4 to 7.
Based on the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) thrust of providing accessibility for all to tourist facilities, products, especially to persons with disability (PWDs), the three-day meet gathered under the theme “Tourism for All: Promoting Universal Accessibility”
Atop, the national group of local tourism officers, was formed in 2000 to promote the culture of tourism in the community level.
The confab kicked off on October 4 with the Mekeni Malaus ka Pampanga welcome dinner hosted by Gov. Lilia G. Pineda.
Sen. Maria Lourdes Nancy Binay, chairman of the Senate Committee on Tourism, talked about the “Legislative Programs and Agenda on Philippine Tourism” in her keynote speech. For her part, Sen. Cynthia A. Villar, author of the Farm Tourism Act of 2016, discussed the salient features of the newly enacted law, while Environment Secretary Regina Paz L. Lopez tackled environmental tourism in relation to the World Tourism Day theme.
The gathering also recognized the Best Tourism Event, Best Tourism Week Celebration of Local Government Units and the Most Outstanding Tourism Officer during the Pearl Awards gala dinner hosted by the Department of Tourism (DOT)-Region 3 and the Tourism Promotions Board.
Tourism Secretary Corazon Wanda Corazon T. Teo delivered her message through Undersecretary Alma Jimenez that underscored the Duterte administration’s tourism thrust in line with its 10-point agenda.
Atop National President Alphonsus Tesoro said the convention focused on the local application of the UNWTO’s declaration on universal tourism, which was also adopted by the DOT.
He noted that local government units (LGUs) are in the forefront in making tourism accessible to all, especially to PWDs, elderly, women and children, and disadvantaged sectors, by putting in place relevant legislation and guidelines.
The annual meet also featured talks on best tourism practices, particularly the environment-friendly programs. Mabalacat City Mayor Marino Morales also hosted a dinner at the Clarkfield Parade Grounds.
As part of its immersion program, the delegates toured Pampanga’s farm tourism spots, eco-tourism sites, museums, heritage spots, adventure parks, creative industries, tourism-related enterprises and well-loved spots for the province’s cuisine.
The LGUs of the municipalities of Apalit, Arayat, Bacolor, Candaba, Guagua, Lubao, Macabebe, Magalang, Masantol, Mexico, Minalin, Porac, San Luis, San Simon, Sasmuan, Santa Ana, Santa Rita, Santo Tomas, City of San Fernando and Angeles City hosted the community immersion activities.