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| University of San Agustin tourism students manning Ajuy's booth |
The
Office of Culture, Arts, History and Tourism of the Province of Iloilo readies
the celebration of Tourism Month through Tumandok on September 18-20, 2014 at
the fountain area of Robinsons mall. With this year’s theme, “Celebrating 10
years of Uniting Communities and Sustainable Travel in Iloilo,” the event
recognizes that tourism has a large economic footprint and a vital industry for
the province.
Started
in 2004, TUMANDOK is the longest and consistently-celebrated tourism month
celebration of its kind in the region. It is the provinces’ most important
industry event attracting key local travel industry players looking to promote
their services and increase their presence in the Philippine market.
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| University of San Agustin tourism students exploring the beauty of Kuliatan Marine Sanctuary in San Joaquin |
The
event seeks to provide a platform for opportunities for domestic tourism,
project domestic tourism as a potential lead sector in the tourism industry and
the economy. It also aims at creating awareness of the provinces’ domestic
tourism, present local tourist potential as a major investment portfolio, and
the provinces’ competitive advantage in the region in tourism and trade.
Tumandok
will expose investment opportunities, introduce the rich traditions and
cultural heritage of rural Iloilo, network and create partnership with
stakeholders.
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| St. Therese MTC-Colleges tourism students promoting Janiuay |
Representatives
from the academe, local travel and transport come to the exhibition to develop
new local channels to increase the volume of tourism and investment for the
province. Municipalities are stepping up their marketing activities to attract
increased attention from visitors keen to explore their exotic locations.
Participating
municipalities of Oton, Tigbauan, Guimbal, Igbaras, Miagao, San Joaquin, San
Miguel, Leon, Sta. Barbara, Cabatuan, Maasin, Badiangan, Duenas, San Enrique,
Banate, Barotac Viejo, Ajuy, Concepcion, Batad and Estancia has seen tourism
having major, significant and increasingly positive impact on their local economy.
One
of the highlights for visitors coming to this event is the exhibition of
various tourism attractions in the province. Exhibiting is the perfect
opportunity to enter the local market, to establish possible business contacts
and to support local products. Tourism officers with their staffs will be there
with their trademark smiles and welcoming handshakes.
Visitors
are also invited to stop by the local products on sale. Visitors can sample
some extraordinarily unique and tasty specialty foods that can only be found in
rural Iloilo. Visitors should also check out the display of custom items on
sale. Tourism students form the College of Hospitality Management of Central
Philippine University will offer the tasty samples to the public on the opening
day from 3-5 p.m., in honor of this Tourism Month celebration.
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University of Iloilo-PHINMA tourism student try his hand
at the monkey trail in Balba Farm Barotac Viejo
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The
many benefits of Tumandok is that the event positively impacts nearly every
segment of the provinces’ economy, and organizers are working diligently to
continue marketing family-friendly destinations to an even greater number of
potential visitors.
It
will be open to general public to promote interest in varied and exciting
travel opportunities that Iloilo Province offers. Other activities include
daily Festival Performances every 5 p.m.; inter-municipal high school quiz bee
on September 19 at 4 p.m. and the presentation of candidates for Miss Iloilo
Tourism on September 20 at 5 p.m.
Whether
you are involved in the industry itself, seeking out more information, or are
just looking to be a part of something special, Tumandok provides a unique
opportunity.
Tumandok
2014 is also brought to you by ITOA, Robinsons Place Iloilo, DTI and GMA-7
Iloilo.
