Tourism for the Province

Misamis Oriental is host to the 19th National Convention of the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines, otherwise known as ATOP on October 3 – 6, 2018.

This 4-day event is a forward movement to the tourism industry of the province by showcasing what Misamis Oriental can offer to both the national and international market.

Governor Yevgeny “Bambi” Emano’s flagship project for the Misamisnons is finally taking shape, with at least 1,500 delegates scheduled to arrive in the next few days for the convention, the province will be highlighted across the country. Seminars and immersion tours are planned by the provincial tourism head, Atty. Jeffrey Saclot, as well as other events which will make the participants have a great learning experience.

This convention is a 2 way street in terms of learning and sharing best tourism practices, with all the tourism officers and stake holders in one room, the discussions on how to manage, preserve, promote and discover tourism products will be bountiful.

By hosting this event, the province has successfully spring boarded itself to greater heights in the tourism industry; by featuring all delicacies, destinations, wildlife and the people that Misamis Oriental can offer to both local and foreign tourist is a monumental accomplishment at a national scale.

As a travel photographer and a tourism consultant to the province, I am blessed to see the development of how tourism can transform lives from a deeper level.

From a mere coconut tree, locals have created many different handicrafts, delicacies and other products.

By exploring undiscovered places, photographing wildlife, documenting and preserving the culture of the Higaonon indigenous people and writing to spread a better understanding that we should all do our part in preserving these things for future generations to come.

I am looking forward to this event; it highlights not only the places that these officers have come from but also the stories of their places.

Tourism is in its own way a resiliency of sorts, for destinations will only be in such a way as good as the people who are behind it. It takes effort to have a daily drive to promote, preserve and patronize destinations.

It goes without saying that the travel and tourism industry plays a major role in our Philippine economy.

With the ATOP convention which will unfold in the coming days, I would like to quote and let the readers understand that “Tourism means Jobs”, it is without question that this will cultivate even more businesses and a work force that will elevate the province of Misamis Oriental into greater heights.