Friday, May 9, 2008

REGIONAL TOURISM STAKEHOLDERS TO MEET IN MARINDUQUE


Tourism stakeholders from the CALABARZON & MIMAROPA provinces will travel to Marinduque for the biggest regional tourism gathering this year with the 14th Southern Tagalog Tourism Council Assembly. The event will be held from June 25-27, 2008, at Chateau du Mer, Amoingon, Boac, Marinduque and other activity spaces in Marinduque's six municipalities.

The assembly is held annually to further enhance the tourism potentials of Southern Tagalog underlining the importance of community-based support in the process. However, in an unpredented move, the STTC and the host province decided on the particularly focused theme: “Visit Marinduque Year 2008: Marinduque Rising!” as this year's theme. The opportunity to showcase Marinduque's distinct culture and tourism potentials thus looms for the province.

Various activities that allow visitors to immerse themselves in local cultural traditions in the grassroots are being prepared province-wide to ensure that visitors get the most out of every moment of their stay in the island-province.

Based on an initial visit by the STTC team led by president, Col. Andrew Nocon of Laguna, the choice was made for Chateau du Mer, a quiet resort in Amoingon Beach in Boac as venue for the assembly. The STTC assembly attracts 400 to 500 participants annually. "You should be fully prepared as we expect a bigger turn-out this year due to the increased interest on Marinduque lately!", said Nocon to the organizing committee led by provincial administrator Atty. Allan Velasco. The last two annual gatherings were held in Lipa City and Lucena City.

Marinduque, almost synonymous with the colorful Moriones Festival, prides itself as being at the geographical center of the Philippines and where the Tagalog language has sprung underlining its significant contribution to the development of the national culture.

Gov. Jose Antonio N. Carrion, meanwhile, emphasized that the province's potential to be a major tourist destination is being pursued by his administration. Its proximity to Manila, its old cultural character still intact and the presence of pristine white sand beaches are among its strengths, he said. Sta. Cruz' Palo Maria beach on Maniwaya island are among the hidden places that are beginning to attract developers alongside Poctoy white sand beach in Torrijos.

In what seems to be another deviation from the usual assembly schedule, the first two days of the gathering will allow participants to maximize their stay in Marinduque by visiting the whole islands' tourist sights, being exposed to local color and entertained by the host municipalities. Expected to grace the occasion on the final day are top tourism officials and special guests. Lecturers from public and private entities have been invited to present particular topics on the strengthening of regional tourism concerns.

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