Cebu joins tourism forum in Vietnam

The recently held East Asian Inter-regional Tourism Forum in Tinh Quang Ninh Province in Vietnam on Sept. 13 to 17, brought about renewed cooperation in tourism and academe for twelve members: Cebu, Philippines; Chiang Mai, Thailand; Gangwon, Korea; Jilin, China; Primorsky, Russia; Quang Ninh, Vietnam; Sarawak, Malaysia; Tottori, Japan; Tuv, Mongolia; Yogyagarta, Indoneisa; Luang Prabang, Laos; and Siam Riep, Cambodia. This yearly event showcases the East Asian Inter-regional Tourism Forum exhibits, the Governors’ committee meetings/presscons and joint declaration of cooperation, the academic sessions and cultural fellowships and tours.

The Cebu Province was headed by Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and Agnes Magpale; the academic by this writer; tourism staff by Grace Paulino;the media and protocol by Ronald, Minerva and Ressel.

The Joint declaration/bilateral meetings yielded so many ‘firsts’ in Cebu as it hosts the 2011 East Asian Inter-regional Tourism Forum in September, 2011. The unanimous approval was ably handled by Gov. Garcia: The 2010 Tourism, Trade and Investment Forum And Expo; the holding of the first everEast Asian Inter-regional Tourism Forum Arts and Cultural Festival; and more enriching academic thrusts.One Cebu chairman Enrison Benedicto gave an overview of the One Cebu Expo. In the standing committee meetings, Agnes Magpale was able to draw out initial plans for flights/ cruise programs which was re-iterated in the bilateral matching led by Governor Gwen. The academic sessions had resolutions to expand the East Asian Inter-regional Tourism Forum Web site/info; develop faculty/student/industry/government academic, community and cultural programs; develop an assistance program for victims of global warming among its members; and focus on research and human resource development and language programs.

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