Cebu is looking to turn its hosting of an international tourism gathering into more partnerships, investments and opportunities for its people.
Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro welcomed governors, tourism officials and delegates from East Asia as the 19th General Assembly of the East Asia Inter-Regional Tourism Federation (EATOF) opened Wednesday, September 2, at Mactan Expo Cebu.
Delegates from the Philippines, South Korea, Japan, Mongolia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia are taking part in the gathering, which focuses on tourism, culture, connectivity, investment and sustainable development.
Baricuatro said tourism should go beyond attracting visitors and should also create opportunities for local communities.
“Tourism can be a powerful force for friendship, economic opportunity, cultural understanding, and sustainable development,” she said.
She also hoped the gathering would produce more than agreements on paper, with the participating regions working on projects that could benefit their people.
“We hope that this General Assembly will not only produce resolutions and agreements, but will create partnerships that can be translated into actual programs, exchanges, investments, and opportunities for our people,” Baricuatro said.
The governor also invited the delegates to experience Cebu’s culture and hospitality, summed up in her message: “Experience Cebu, but more importantly, connect with Cebu.”