Nearly 2,000 tourism stakeholders are expected to gather for the Central Philippines Tourism Expo (CPTEx) of the Department of Tourism (DOT) to be held at the Iloilo Convention from June 16 to 18.
“This is the first for Western Visayas and for DOT. This is one of the pet projects of the Secretary [Christina Garcia Frasco] basically for one of the goals that she mentioned about maximization of promotion and diversification of tourism products in the country,” DOT Regional Director Crisanta Marlene Rodriguez said in a press conference on Tuesday.
The collaborative effort of six regions under the DOT-clustered Central Philippines consisting of Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, and host Western Visayas will have six components consisting of a parade of festivals, tourism expo, business-to-business meeting, product presentation and cultural performances, regional launching of the “Bisita, Be My Guest” program, and the post-tour/travel exchange.
“We are expecting awareness of the destinations as well as the tourism products that each of the participating region is showcasing. At the end of the day, because we have our business-to-business, we will have more coming in for the region, and at the same time, the network from our stakeholders’ side as well will be bigger and wider,” Rodriguez said.
The CPTEx, she said, is a road to recovery because having more events that bring people to the region stimulates economic activity.
Rodriguez also encouraged private stakeholders and local government units to initiate more events that will entice higher tourist arrivals and higher tourist receipts.
Joseph Del Rosario, area general manager of the Seda Hotel representing the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibits) Alliance, said the gathering will serve as an opportunity to showcase what the city and province of Iloilo can provide as MICE destinations.
The expo will be mounting 46 booths and 32 exhibitors from 15 regions and other participating local government units.
They are also expecting 500 buyers, 500 sellers, and walk-in participants. (PNA)
