MANILA – The Philippines was selected to host the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit in October this year, which is seen to boost the country's MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences & exhibitions) sector.
Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat welcomed the announcement made by WTTC president and chief executive offcer Gloria Gueverra herself, saying this hosting would not only help restart the tourism industry but also boost the Department of Tourism (DOT)'s continuing strategies to position the Philippines as a MICE hub in Asia.
“We, your Philippine partners in tourism, are eager to share our hopes, dreams, and plans for our industry, [and are] ready to do our share in the global effort to overcome and break down barriers in this new dynamic, and unpredictable tourism landscape,” Romulo-Puyat said.
The DOT, through the Tourism Promotions, has identified the MICE industry as a sector that could help hasten the country’s economic recovery through visitor expenditure and its contribution to employment.
The Philippines’ hosting of the WTTC Global Summit is expected to create an avenue for the private sector and local tourism industry stakeholders to consider bigger markets and present an immense opportunity to network and link up with international partners.
The DOT said it would also allow the Philippines to demonstrate its commitment in the midst of current global concerns on health and safety, environmental sustainability, and local community engagement in tourist destinations.
“Through our determination and dedication to this sector, tourism will once again be the driver of socio-economic growth and improve the lives of millions of people around the world while championing sustainability. We will recover as one, and we will travel once again,” Romulo-Puyat said.
The WTTC Global Summit is an annual event that gathers over 800 delegates composed of leaders from the largest and most prominent international travel and tourism companies from airlines, hotels and resorts, travel agencies, tour companies, global distribution system, transportation, and allied enterprises; as well as Tourism ministers and officials from international organizations, such as the United Nations World Tourism Organization.
The three-day summit allows delegates to discuss opportunities, challenges, and issues facing the industry and draw up concrete solutions pursued across countries and regions through private and public sector collaboration.
The summit deliberations also contribute to the formulation of global tourism policies and agenda, as well as shaping the future of travel and tourism in regions and destinations. (PNA)
