Palawan Government To Participate In ASEAN Tourism Forum 2016

The provincial government of Palawan is participating Monday in the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2016 that brings member countries together to discuss the fast-tracking of the growth of the leisure industry in the region.

Under the leadership of Governor Jose Alvarez, Palawan was chosen with Bohol to represent the Philippines’ tourism industry in the ATF until January 25 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Provincial Information Officer Atty. Gil Acosta Jr. explained that the ATF is a cooperation effort of member countries Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines to promote the region as a travel destination.

This year, the theme of the forum is “One Community for Sustainability.”

In the event, Acosta said Palawan is looking forward to participate in the three-day ASEAN Tourism Forum Travel Exchange (ATF TRAVEX), where business matching, product and tourism services exchanges will be done by participants.

“Sa pamamagitan nito ay mas mapapadali ang transaksiyon ng mga kalakal sa pagitan ng mga miyembrong bansa (Through this, transactions can be sped on trade and commerce too, among member countries),” he said.

On the third day of the event, Acosta said Alvarez is expected to participate in a media briefing with the international press to share Palawan’s success in winning as World’s Best Island in Conde Nast.

Meanwhile, Caesar Magbanua, coordinator of the tourism alliance cluster of the provincial government, said Palawan’s representation was prepared together by the Provincial Tourism Office (PTO) and the Palawan Tourism Council (PTC).

Magbanua said the booth showcases tourism products from the province, such as different destinations that are truly worth any visitor’s holiday.

As Conde Nast International Travel Magazine’s World’s Best Island, Palawan expects to draw attention from attendees of the forum that can be translated to more tourism visitors. (PNA) PGL/CARF/SGP