EMERGING TOURISM SITE. The San Sebastian Catholic Church in San Narciso town, Zambales province is one of the potential travel destinations which was identified by the Department of Tourism in Central Luzon (DOT-3). The DOT-3 has tapped the local government units (LGUs) in the region in identifying and rediscovering the emerging travel destinations to boost the local tourism industry. (Photo courtesy of DOT Region III)
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – The Department of Tourism in Central Luzon (DOT-3) has tapped local government units (LGUs) in identifying and rediscovering emerging and less traveled destinations in the region.
DOT-3 Regional Director Richard G. Daenos cited on Monday the need for the LGUs to unlock their tourism potentials and opportunities in a bid to boost the local tourism industry.
As an initial step, Daenos said DOT-3 has conducted a tourism rapid assessment (TRA) through its planning unit for partner LGUs.
“The TRA aims to promote key destinations and rediscover emerging and less traveled destinations in the region,” he said in a statement.
The DOT official said among the potential travel destinations that were initially identified were the Paper Tree Resort and Picnic Area, PawiCare, San Sebastian Church, and Clay Avenue, all in San Narciso town, Zambales province.
He said the tourism industry, if properly planned and managed, has the ability to stimulate local economic growth, provide social welfare, and preserve the natural and cultural resources of the LGUs.
Daenos said he also visited Willy Layug’s farm located in Betis, Guagua town, this province to discuss plans to help the woodcarvers' community ensure sustainability and to safeguard their practice.
“Our goal is to make Central Luzon a center for fun and adventure deeply rooted in its rich culture and heritage, both tangible and intangible with shared responsibility with the local communities,” he added.
Meanwhile, the number of tourism front liners in the region who have undergone Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE) training has so far reached 5,000.
Daenos thanked their partner Provincial Tourism Offices, along with their tourism stakeholders from all seven provinces in Central Luzon as they met and surpassed their FBSE 5,000 mark.
“Beyond the numbers, we are proud to witness how the FBSE program has helped transform our trainees into becoming excellent industry workers exemplifying Filipino core values. As we endeavor to bring out the good and positive values in every tourism stakeholder, we hope to see more of our FBSE graduates champion service excellence in the industry,” he added.
The DOT-3 has been conducting the FBSE training for the tourism front liners in the region as part of its continuous efforts to strengthen the overall tourism experience in the region branded by Filipino hospitality. (PNA)
