Cebu hosts the ITOF 2017

The Province of Cebu is hosting the Interisland Tourism Forum (ITOF) on Oct. 17 and 18 at Radisson Blu Cebu.

The theme “Synergizing MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) with Heritage and Culture” will be discussed by tourism key players and academe from ITOF member regions: Cebu, Philippines; Jeju, South Korea; Bali, Indonesia; Hainan, People’s Republic of China; Southern Province, Sri Lanka; Hawaii, USA; Zanzibar, Tanzania; Phuket, Thailand; Penang, Malaysia; Prince Edward, Canada; Kampong Cham, Cambodia and Gotland, Sweden. There will be interactive presentations from travel stakeholders and the academe; and student groups from selected colleges and universities.

Although Cebu has been part of the thrusts of MICE, the forum seeks to expand linkages to showcase more of the historical and cultural vestiges of every region toward longterm tourism clusters.

With the leadership of Cebu Gov. Junjun Davide and Cebu Vice-Gov. and Tourism chairperson Agnes Magpale in cooperation with the Department of Tourism, academe and stakeholders, the ITOF would mark another milestone for Cebu as an international convention hub with a purpose.

Protocol officer Grace Paulino, Cebu Province tourism officer Boboi Costas, artistic director Junjet Primor, Cebu Association of Tour Operators president Alice Queblatin, Ann Olalo of Radisson Blu and MCE as chairperson (academic forum) are in constant touch with the ITOF secretariat to coordinate the events. OUTSTANDING PINOY IN US Dr. D.J. Mark Muñoz, a Mindanaoan, who has an M.A. in Business Management (1992) and Ph.D.in Business Management (1997), is a graduate of the University of San Jose-Recoletos. This outstanding individual has post-management programs in Peking University in China and Harvard University in the US.

Mark must have been influenced by parents, top executive Gary and wife Chad to aim for the best through wisdom, patience and fortitude. The journey was tedious but it paid off. Now, Mark is a multi-awarded professor of International Business at Millikin University in Illinois; co-authored, authored and edited 14 books and still counting, e.g. “Land of My Birth,” “A Salesman in Asia;” handbooks in Business plan creation; International Social Entrepreneurship, too many to mention.

Adelante, Dr. Mark Muñoz! You make the Land of your Birth proud.

TEAM. At the 2017 Interisland Tourism Forum preparation meeting at Radisson Blu Cebu: Creative director Junjet Primor, Cebu Province protocol officer and coordinator Grace Paulino, academe chair MCE of Speechcom/University of San Jose-Recoletoes;...

FORUM. Last year, islands with common cultural affinity, similar tourism structure and same policy goals, discussed how to venture into the world tourism market together and achieve common goals. In 2017, the 21st Interisland Tourism Forum will be...

PICTURES. The Interisland Tourism Forum collage of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) synergizing with heritage and culture.

DANCE. The 2017 Interisland Tourism Forum in Cebu will choreograph the theme “Synergizing MICE with Heritage and Culture: The Sinulog, Mother of all Festivals” with the track “Cebu, Where The Heart Sings.”

TALK. Consul General Shi Hong of the People’s Republic of China (PROC) exhorts the enduring relations between PROC and Cebu. Special guests (right photo): Tortullo Tolentino, Consul Enrique Benedicto and Robert Dino.

PINOY PRIDE. Dr. Mark Muñoz with parents Gary and Chad Muñoz.