11th TUMANDOK Celebrates Heritage and Tourism: Community and Environment

TUMANDOK, now on its 11^th year is Iloilo’s longest-running and leading tourism event for the travel industry that creates personal and business opportunities, providing visitors with quality contacts, content and communities. Opening on September 24-27, 2015 at the fountain area of Robinsons Place Iloilo, the event organized by the Provincial Tourism Office of the Iloilo Provincial Government is the perfect opportunity for participating municipalities in the province to showcase their products and services to potential industry and leisure buyers.

The event this year brings together the towns of Oton, Tigbauan, Guimbal, Igbaras, Miagao, San Joaquin, Leon, Sta. Barbara, Duenas, Anilao, Banate, Ajuy, Concepcion, Estancia and Carles with the students of Hotel and Restaurant Technology Department of the Iloilo Science and Technology University, Lapaz Campus, Iloilo City, the partnership will focus on six themes of adventure, history, experience, nature, culture and family, which are Iloilo’s key target markets.

With the theme, “Heritage and Tourism: Community and Environment,” Tumandok recognizes the significance of Iloilo’s heritage assets, and ensuring their long-term protection, is essential for sustainable and appropriate tourism. Visiting heritage places can be part of a range of activities undertaken by tourists visiting Iloilo or it can be the sole reason for travel for people with a high level of interest in natural and cultural heritage.

Hike mountain trails to rivers, waterfalls or spectacular sea shores. Snorkel or dive. Explore our rich cultural heritage, see local crafts being made. Our diverse communities in Iloilo offer something for everyone!

From visibility to credibility, exhibiting in the annual trade fair has given a lot of benefits for many participating towns. Tumandok is a great way to advertise to a target market and create brand awareness. Establishing their presence, gives them a powerful platform for meeting new customers, reaching out to existing clientele, and building a more established and reliable brand. The event is open to a large and sometimes diverse range of audiences. This provides municipalities with a platform to promote their products or services to a broader group that may have little or no knowledge of their products and services.

TUMANDOK will open on September 24 (Thursday) at 3 p.m. with the musical performance through rondalla from Barangay Pughanan in Lambunao; September 26 (Saturday) Coronation of Miss Iloilo Tourism at 5 p.m.; and September 27 (Sunday) closing ceremony with Tamboo Festival performance from the students of Northern Iloilo Polytechnic State College of Ajuy and the launching of the new Tambobo Festival music video and song.

The 11^th TUMANDOK is organized by the Provincial Tourism Office of the Iloilo Provincial Government with Robinsons Place Iloilo and TINUKIB. Also brought to you by the Iloilo Tourism Officers Association Incorporated and the Hotel and Restaurant Technology Department of Iloilo Science and Technology University, Lapaz Campus, Iloilo City and the Daily Guardian.