Metro Manila, daily traffic, pollution, and dense population notwithstanding, is an intriguing and exciting tropical metropolis for many foreign tourists. A melting pot of culture and people coming from different parts of the country, the region is an eclectic destination with colonial-era districts and modern business enclaves.
As a proof of its growing popularity, it welcomed 41 international cruise ship port calls last year, which brought in 58,828 passengers. Moreover, the megacity was featured in a 48-hour travelogue by London-based The Independent newspaper and was named as among the world’s 10 Fastest-Emerging Global Cities by The World Post.
Cognizant of its tourism gains and potential, local governments and private stakeholders in the National Capital Region are converging for the second Metro Manila Tourism Forum on Aug. 30-31 at The Blue Leaf Filipinas in Aseana City, Parañaque City.
Local government executives, tourism council officers, and industry frontliners are expected to attend the confab, bearing the theme “City Tourism: Rebuilding a Local Destination to a Global Brand.”
Department of Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat is the keynote speaker of the event, which is organized by the International School for Sustainable Tourism, and supported by the DoT and the Automobile Association Philippines.
According to ISST president Mina Gabor, this year’s forum will focus on redefining city tourism as an international icon by not just showcasing the destinations but also opening economic opportunities for local and international markets.
She added the MMTF will integrate tourism in promoting inclusive and sustainable growth, employment and poverty reduction, environmental protection and climate change, cultural values, diversity and heritage, and peace and security.
Spicing up the event is a parallel Metro Manila Travel Mart which will exhibit the various attractions and packages offered by local government units and private tour operators.
The confab will open with the “Empower The Leaders” plenary with Interior and Local Government undersecretary Austere Panaderos as keynote speaker. The session, which will be attended by key government stakeholders, aims to empower the leaders, engage the people, and establish a culture of unity in governance.
The second plenary, “Engage the Culture and Community,” with Clickable Vietnam chief executive officer Jason Lusk as keynote will feature talks on “Unity in Community” by Platinum Fireworks president Joel Sta. Ana, and “Culture, Heritage, Arts, Craftsmanship and Entertainment” by Walk This Way Tour president Carlos Celdran.
The third plenary session is dubbed “City Branding Campaign” with inputs on “Social Media Ambassadors” by Philippine Tourism Star awardee Anton Diaz of Our Awesome Planet.