Tourism experts meeting in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - At least 20 tourism experts from all over the world are meeting in Cebu starting tomorrow for the Philippine Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions/Events Conference (MICECON) 2011.

Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim will be among the 20 tourism experts lined up to speak before the 350 participants from the MICE sector. 

DOT-7 director Rowena Montecillo, in a statement, said the experts will be sharing their knowledge and skills to the participants.

Montecillo, who is coordinating the preparations with the local tourism stakeholders, said that there will be speakers from the United States, Australia, Singapore, Thailand, and top Filipino corporate moguls.

The event, with a theme “I Share, You connect, We change” will be held from August 10 to 13 at the Cebu International Convention Center.

Montecillo said the impact of the event will not be limited to Cebu City and province but will benefit the entire Visayas and Mindanao as well because Cebu is a tourism gateway to central and southern Philippines.

She said that in Cebu, many tourists stay for a while after they arrive before going to other destinations like Boracay, Panglao in Bohol, the underground river in Palawan, or Samal Island in Davao.

Lim earlier said that MICECON is a two-pronged strategy of promoting the Philippines as a global MICE destination while helping our industry embark on product development that suits international requirements and standards.

MICECON is organized by DOT through its marketing arm, the Tourism Promotions Board, with the full support of Cebu Province, the Philippine Association of Convention/Exhibition Organizers and Suppliers, the Hotel Resort and Restaurant Association of Cebu, and the Meetings, Incentive Travel, Events/Exhibitions Philippines Inc.

HRRAC president and MICECON organizing committee chair Hans Hauri placed the MICE market at a conservative 50 million constituents worldwide.   - (THE FREEMAN)