CAR pushes tourism development

The Department of Tourism (DoT) is organizing a pioneering event in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) that is binding all sectors in North Philippines to turn tourism into a sustainable socio-economic growth engine.

The 1st North Philippines (NorthPhil) Tourism Forum and Career Fair being organized by DOT-CAR regional director Venus Tan has elicited the support of the local governments and national government agencies as well as the transport, hospitality, travel, retail and all the other allied sectors.

“Of special focus is the academe, which is a key factor of industry sustainabilThe ity and serves both ends of the tourism value chain. The students constitute both an industry source of manpower and future entrepreneurs and a potential market themselves. Thus, creating an ideal social environment for sustainable development begins with our youth with the right aptitude and attitude for the pursuit of tourism excellence,” Tan said.

Slated at Camp John Hay Trade and Cultural Center on Oct. 16-18, the event is a rallying point for regional development, with tourism worthiness becoming the most visible and palpable manifestation of effective governance and multi-sectoral cooperation.

“Aptly, the event serves as a platform for multi-sectoral interaction among all industry sectors – especially policy makers from both the government and private sector – in regional tourism performance review, benchmarking of best practices and strategic development direction,” Tan added.

The forum will have exhibits as a business component; career talks from airlines, hotels and other industry players; lectures on tourism ethics and values, personality development sessions and a forum on meetings, incentive travel, conferences and events (MICE) as a potential income generator for CAR, particularly Baguio City.

Also constituting the event are training, presentations on current trends in tourism sustainability and new technologies and platforms of engagements, job placements and recruitment services, and social and business functions, among others.

“This event will highlight tourism’s share in total national employment and GDP or economic growth,” Tan stressed.

In 2016, tourism accounted for 8.6 percent of the GDP and 12.8 percent of national employment.

For details, contact the DOT-CAR Office in Baguio City (tel 6734-4427014) or email northphilippines.careerfair@gmail.com.