21st ITOP Officially Opens in Cebu

Cebu officially welcomed yesterday foreign head delegates from different countries attending the 21st Inter-Island Tourism Policy (ITOP) Forum.

With Cebu as the host, Governor Hilario P. Davide III and Vice Gov Agnes A. Magpale led the opening of the international tourism forum, which this year carries the theme “Synergizing MICE with Culture and Heritage.”

MICE stands for Meeting, Incentive tour, Convention and Exhibition, a huge industry in the international tourism scene which highly contributes to the growth of the sector.

“Hosting the ITOP Forum 2017 is truly an honor,” said Magpale, adding that this is the province’s first time to host this 20-year-old organization of tourist destinations, since the province was installed as a member in 2011.

Davide and Magpale led the ceremonial striking of the “kalatong”, a two-feet bamboo-made structure, to formally signal the start of the ITOP forum.

The governor looks forward to all the productive discussions that will take place during the three-day forum.

“Daghan ma-discuss nga topics, centering on theme (Synergizing MICE with culture and heritage), we hope daghan inputs, we could contribute and benefit in the forum,” said Davide.

He said this is also a good opportunity for the foreign delegates to see the beauty of Cebu.

“Ang importante maka-anhi sila makakita what Cebu has to offer,” said Davide in an interview.

cebu.gov.ph