In 2014, The World Post named Metro Manila one of the world’s “10 Fastest-Emerging Global Cities” because of its eclectic lifestyle, metropolis vibe and world-class shopping.
Rediscover the tourism gems of the 16 cities and one municipality in the Metro Manila Tourism Forum (MMTF), which will gather government and private stakeholders in the National Capital Region to help draw a comprehensive framework in tourism development.
The Automobile Association Philippines (AAP), the country’s national auto club, has organized the event along with the host local government unit, Quezon City, led by Mayor Herbert Bautista on Feb. 9-10 at Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria.
Supported by the Department of Tourism (DoT), the Forum will be participated in by local tourism council officers, local government executives, and members of the Hotel and Restaurant Association of the Philippines (HRAP) in Metro Manila.
According to AAP President Augusto Lagman, the two-day confab is themed “ASEAN: Enhancing City Tourism Destinations towards Sustainable Development” in line with the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s observance of the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development.
Lagman said the MMTF will integrate tourism in the promotion of inclusive and sustainable growth; employment and poverty reduction; resource efficiency, environmental protection and climate change; cultural values, diversity and heritage; and peace and security.
Topics include Changing the Tourism Face of City Destinations for a Quality Visitor Experience, Enhancing City Tourism Destinations Competitiveness through Improved Accessibility, and A 360o View: Positioning City Tourism Destinations in the ASEAN and Local Marketplace.
Lagman added that the Forum would tackle ways in putting in place the DoT’s thrust of “Accessible Tourism for All,” especially for persons with disability and the disadvantaged sectors of the society.
DoT Secretary Wanda Corazon Teo will lead the keynote speakers, which also include UNWTO Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific Xu Jing, The Wallace Business Forum President Peter Wallace, Singapore’s Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure & Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan, and Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) immediate past President Gregory Duffel.
Other keynote speakers are International School for Sustainable Tourism President Dr. Mina Gabor, Homestay Philippines, Inc. President Rose Libongco, TravPax Solutions Pte Ltd. President Dror Maytal, and DoT-NCR Officer-in-Charge Cathy Agustin who will present the best metropolitan tour packages.
The MMTF has also invited participants from other ASEAN member countries in support of the Philippines’ chairmanship of this year’s ASEAN Summit and 50th anniversary celebration.
The event draws to a close with a dinner hosted by Manila City Government and Mayor Joseph Estrada, host of next year’s Forum.
For details, contact AAP at 705-3333 and 0928-5074288 or email [email protected].