TUMANDOK: Celebrating 10 years of Uniting Communities and Sustainable Travel in Iloilo

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.

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.

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.

University of Iloilo-PHINMA tourism student try his hand 

at the monkey trail in Balba Farm Barotac Viejo

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.