CEBU, Philippines - The members of the Cebu Tourism Officers Association have been reminded by two lady government officials of the important role they play in the promotion of tourism in the province.
During a forum on the Strengthening the Rural Tourism was held last Saturday at Argao Training Center, Department of Tourism-7 director Patria Aurora Roa said that the tourism officers are vital frontliners in the development of local tourism, which is a key element in the improvement of the community.
CTOA is celebrating its first year anniversary, which also coincided with the observance of the Tourism Month of the Department of Tourism.
“As partners in the tourism industry, they play an integral role in identifying, developing and marketing new products, which will not only entice visitors to their area but pour in investments as well,” Roa said.
On the other hand, Provincial Board Member Agnes Magpale, chairman of the committee on tourism, said the government and the business sector are grateful and ever willing to partner with the association to further boost local tourism.
Magpale described the forum as a firm manifestation of the group’s unflinching commitment to pursue and maximize the tourism potentials of the countryside.
“Indeed, the rural communities of the Province of Cebu, are awash with treasures waiting to be harnessed for the development, growth and stability of the industry,” Magpale said.
Roa also shared that the support of the tourism officers to the advancement of Cebu tourism is an essential factor in putting Cebu at the vanguard of Philippine tourism.
According to her, Cebu has so much more to offer and there are still many unexplored places that have a great deal of potential for the growing traveling market and the Cebu countryside is still basically untapped.
Roa gave credit to the Provincial Government’s Suroy-Suroy Sugbo,” a rural tourism program of the administration of Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, which will surely make Cebu countryside come to the forefront.
“I am confident, that in a few years time, the rural tourism of Cebu will not only be spearheading Cebu Tourism but in the whole Philippines as well,” Roa added. — Gregg M. Rubio/WAB (FREEMAN NEWS)