New DOT-7 chief vows to double time efforts
Newly appointed Department of Tourism (DOT-7) regional director Shalimar Hofer Tamano vowed to double efforts in capitalizing Cebu's heightened tourism advantage.
In an interview with Tamano, he said that he got direct instructions from DOT secretary Wanda Teo to rally support for Cebu, by forging stronger collaboration with tourism players.
"As far as DOT is concerned Central Visayas is the biggest, one of DOT's jewels," said Tamano, whose mother is from Ginatilan, Cebu.
Tamano was assigned to oversee the DOT Central Visayas office following the resignation of Joshur Judd Lanete II due to health reasons.
"I am humbled by the secretary's designation. I am happy to be back in Cebu," Tamano said who started his post exactly a week today.
In just a few days, Tamano already met with several industry leaders and political executives, such as Cebu Provincial Governor Hilario Davide III, RDC-7 chairman Kenneth Cobonpue, as well as personalities in Bohol.
Since DOT’s national program is leaning towards magnifying promotions of farm tourism, faith tourism and sports tourism, which Cebu has high potential to leverage, Tamano said he will be on constant cooperation with tourism stakeholders in Cebu and the region.
"We always look at DOT leadership for directions and insights in identifying priority markets for Region 7; supply database to supplement our research on what tour products to develop for the