Davide to promote Cebu’s maritime tourism in ITOP

CEBU, Philippines - In an effort to promote tourism industry in the province, Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III yesterday left for Phuket, Thailand to attend the 18th Inter-Island Tourism Policy Forum on August 20 to 22.

Davide’s trip was upon the invitation of Phuket Vice Governor Tipayongtada Chamroen who visited the governor of Cebu last month. The governor said he will promote Cebu’s maritime tourism during the international forum.

Apart from the promotion, Davide is hoping to get inputs from the other areas which are members of the ITOP.

In a report of the Phuket Index, the forum topic will center on the concept of “Sustainable Marine Tourism,” which is divided into three main areas including marine tourism resources management, marine transportation and network, and safety measures for tourists.

 The forum will also facilitate inter-island exchange of ideas on culture tourism among the members.

 Among the members of ITOP are Jeju, Korea; Okinawa, Japan; Southern Province, Sri Lanka; Canary Islands, Spain; Hainan, China; Bali, Indonesia; Zanzibar, Tanzania; Hawaii, USA and Phuket, Thailand.

ITOP was founded in 1997 with the attendance of only four provincial governments including Bali, Indonesia; Hainan, China; Okinawa, Japan and Jeju, South Korea. The province of Cebu was formally installed as member of ITOP in 2011.

Provincial Information Officer Ethel Natera said, after the forum the governor will have his short vacation in Vietnam and will be returning to Cebu on August 27.  (FREEMAN)