DOT launches adventure tourism

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO - The Department of Tourism (DOT) under Secretary Joseph Ace Durano is set to embark on a nationwide campaign to increase awareness and promote the country's adventure and ecotourism destinations and activities, said DOT Regional Director Ronaldo Tiotuico. Tiotuico said the tourism chief intends to absorb a bigger slice of the adventure and experiential travel market and consequently position the country as an adventure destination in Asia. Dubbed Adventure Philippines Campaign, the program aims to create positive awareness for the Philippines as an exciting outdoor travel destination, to educate the industry stakeholders (tour operators/travel agents, guides, suppliers, outdoor recreational clubs or societies) on adventure travel and its potentials, and to foster or strengthen networking capacity and working relationship between travel service providers and suppliers. To provide tourism stakeholders and major players an overview of the outdoor recreation industry and its potential for job-generation and social and economic benefits, the tourism department is set to conduct a seminar on the fundamentals of Adventure Tourism 101 slated for June 3-5, 2008 at Hotel Stotsenberg, Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga. The conference is organized by the Philippine Convention & Visitors Corp., in cooperation with the Recreational Outdoor Exchange (R.O.X.). Partnering with DOT are the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) and Philippine Airlines (PAL). Participants in the seminar are set to hold actual adventure travel to the wilds and rainforests of Subic Bay Freeport in Zambales on June 5 where they are bound to try the famous jungle safari, canopy ride and slide for life amidst thick vegetation and wildlife sanctuary. Administrator Armand Arreza of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) will sponsor the one-day safari. A registration fee of P2,500 will be assessed each participant to cover cost of food and snacks for the duration of the seminar, seminar kit, including food and snacks, and transportation during the post-seminar activity at Subic Bay Freeport. Hotel accommodation and other incidental expenses will be shouldered by the participants. - Sun.Star Pampanga