NorthPhil Travel Expo to open in Clark today

The much- awaited North Philippines (NorthPhil) Travel & Tourism Expo will open at the Events Center of the SM City Clark in the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga at 4 p.m. today (Nov. 14).

To lead in the opening of the NorthPhil Expo are the regional directors of the Department of Tourism (DOT) in Central Luzon, Cagayan Valley, Ilocos Region and the Cordilleras, and the officials of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, provinces of Pampanga, Tarlac, Bataan and Zambales, Clark Development Authority, Tourism Infrastructure & Enterprize Zone Authority, Clark International Airport Authority, and high-ranking executives of the North Luzon Expressway, and Cebu Pacific Air.

DOT Central Luzon Director Ronnie P. Tiotuico said the NorthPhil opening would usher the visitors in a tour of the “marvellous” exhibits before the guests of honor deliver their messages to tourism industry players led by expo co- organizer Association of Tourism Officers of Central Luzon (ATOCEL).

“The expo will showcase the results of the joint efforts of the government and the private sector in pursuing the vision of inclusive tourism development in North Philippines,” Tiotuico said, hinting at both the policy infrastructure and financial support required for further community- based growth in the region.

Short of lobbying for Clark’s speedy development into a premier international airport, Tiotuico said the visitors could also take a look up close and per- sonal at the immense potential of this tourism facility in bringing NorthPhil to a new dimension of inclusive growth.

Tiotuico described the expo as a “graphic, visible and experiential joint (public-private) advocacy of ‘communitizing’ tourism development” in all its aspects.

“This (NorthPhil development) is where private capital and government funds can make a huge difference in benefiting the people across all industry and socio-economic sectors,” Tiotuico stressed.

Helping out in promoting the expo are Cebu Pacific Air as the event’s official international flag carrier, and Business Mirror, Punto Central Luzon, Sunstar Pampanga and CLTV 36 as media partners.

For today, the expo features a cultural presentation by the Sabah Tourism Board, Cebu Pacific fun games, and the exhibitors’ retail and wholesale offerings at promo prices.

Tomorrow, the expo will have a special feature on tourism and community development, a NorthPhil Expo Quiz Bee, Cebu Pacific fun games, a fashion show, and another presentation by the Sabah Tourism Board.

And on the third and final day on Sunday, the expo will feature gemstones and crystal healing by Izumi Designs, a Sabah tourism cultural presentation, Subic Bay Hour, and Cebu Pacific fun games, among others.

Other activities include exciting competitions, prizes and raffle draws, arts and crafts demonstration, and more.