Gov't, private sector team up to promote tourism industry

National and local government units have forged a strategic partnership with the private sector to further boost the country’s vibrant tourism industry, and such crucial partnership is in evident display in the upcoming North Philippines Tourism and Travel Expo 2008.

The event, called NorthPhil Expo, is slated Nov. 14-16 at the Event Centre of SM City Clark at the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga. It is presented by the Department of Tourism’s Regional Offices from Region 1 (Ilocos), Region 2 (Cagayan Valley), Region 3 (Central Luzon) and the Cordillera Administrative Region or CAR.

The four regions make up the contiguous land mass of northern Philippines, which are mostly unexplored but which hold many of the country’s rich and unspoiled cultural treasures. North Philippines boast of fine beaches, underground caves, lush forests and pristine rivers that are perfect for eco-tourism ventures.

The north likewise prides itself with culinary specialties like the pinikpikan, bagnet, and pinapaitan, to name a few. It is also home to countless indigenous mountain tribes, whose folk beliefs and practices never fail to amaze lowland visitors and travelers.

To tap all of these unique tourism and travel destinations, the DOT and the Philippine Tourism Authority have joined hands with local government units and the private sector for a one-stop showcase event of the north, and the result is the NorthPhil Expo 2008.

The event has drawn active participation from the provincial governments of Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac and Zambales as well as the city governments of Angeles, Olongapo, Tarlac and San Jose del Monte and the municipality of San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija. Government agencies such as the Clark Development Corporation and Clark International Airport Corporation are also participating in the three-day event.

Other government agencies in the three-day event are the Philippine Retirement Authority, the Bases Conversion Development Authority, and the Nayong Pilipino sa Clark Expo, among others.

The private sector has likewise thrown its full support for NorthPhil Expo. Among the event exhibitors are the ATTAP, Bahura Resorts and Spa, Burdogoy’s Arts and Antiques, Cebu Pacific Air, Geuel Handicrafts, Clarkfield Star Plaza Hotel and Crown Regency Hotels.

Also taking part are the Gross Ostrich Farm, HARP, Hotel Stotsenberg, Hotel Vida, Widus Vacation Club, Holiday Inn Clark, Lewis Grand Hotel, Marco Polo Hotels Davao, Meteor Philippines, Microtel Inn and Suites, Nuts and Else, Pampanga Agents Travel Society, Panglao Island Resorts.

Puerto del Sol Beach Resort, Punta de Uian, Red Coconut Beach Hotel, SBMA locators, Seair, Seahorse Tours and Souvenirs, Seair, United Tourist Promotions, Zestair, and Zoobic Zafari.

The NorthPhil Expo 2008 has for its media partners the Manila Bulletin, Sunstar Pampanga, Punto Central Luzon and CLTV 36. Corporate sponsors are PAGCOR and MNTC.