Tourism Congress elects Board of Trustees
MANILA, Philippines - Forty-four tourism organizations representing primary and secondary tourism enterprises as well as allied and relevant enterprises in the tourism sector throughout the country, gathered for the Tourism Congress on Nov. 25 at the Marriott Hotel Manila in Newport City, pursuant to Republic Act 9593 or the Tourism Act of 2009.
President Arroyo thanked the private sector for pouring P555 billion in tourism investments in accommodation, tourist transport, infrastructure and utilities. “The private sector participation in tourism has taken a new promising turn in recent months, with major players investing not only in resorts or airplanes but even in infrastructure projects, such as the modernization of Caticlan Airport and waste water treatment facility in Boracay Island,” she said.
Elected to the Tourism Congress Board of Trustees (BOT) were Charles Uy, president, (Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Boracay); Mike Albana, executive vice president (HRRAC); Alma Jimenez, vice president for Luzon (PhilAsHOMe); Jenny Franco, vice president for Visayas, (NAITAS-Cebu); Susan Palad, vice president for Mindanao (Davao Association of Tour Operators); Wanda Teo, secretary (NAITAS Davao); Gene Bangayan, treasurer (Davao Tourism Association), as well as Jaime Cura and Dexter Deyto, organizers and suppliers (CREBA of the Philippine Association of Convention/ Exhibition).
Newly elected president Uy said, “The private sector is committed to working closely with the Department of Tourism in the development, implementation and coordination of tourism plans and policies.” To strengthen collaboration between the private sector and the government, Uy lauded the new Tourism Act, its proponents and the DOT for making said partnership possible.
Treasurer Bangayan said, “The Tourism Congress is a very welcome development for stakeholders in Davao and Mindanao as it opens new avenues for networking in the industry.”
On the participation of the members, Libongco said, “Delegates were informed, articulate and gave valuable inputs on the Constitution and By-laws of the Tourism Act. We look forward to a vibrant industry.”
The Tourism Congress serves as the private sector consultative body to assist the Department of Tourism in the coordination of tourism policies.
