JASMINE D. JASO/LUISSE RUTAO

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, PAMPANGA – The Provincial Government is bent on pushing Tourism Development Plans that are aimed at enhancing the tourism industry in the province.

This was developed during the Provincial Tourism Council Meeting held at Kingsborough International Convention Center, here.

One of the topics stressed was the Culinary Tourism Plan that aims to create awareness, and highlight the culinary expertise of Pampanga.

Based on the data presented during the meeting, tourism expenditures in the country grew up to twenty one percent in the year 2018.

Mina Gabor, former Department of Tourism (DOT) secretary, said “Tourism is like a house. ‘Yung landscape mo is tourism, and when it is nice, people would go in. If you fix the tourism sector, people will come here.”

It was also gleaned during the discussion that Pampanga has a lot to offer when it comes to its tourism sector, specifically on its food industry.

“We want to use the culinary tourism as the tip of the sphere, because this is the one that will really differentiate us from others. We have been known for decades and generations to be the culinary capital, and therefore, we must build on that strength, and we must ensure that this one will be further strengthened and institutionalized,” said Oliver Butalid, consultant on trade and investment.

To make the plan materialize, Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda signed the Executive Order No. 33-2019 or the “Reconstitution of the Pampanga Provincial Tourism Council” which aims to form committees that will focus on tourism development in the province.

The said council is composed of committees which include culinary tourism, tourism products, events, heritage tourism, eco-tourism, trade and investments, faith-based tourism, and travel and tours.

Through the joint efforts of the said committees, various tourism-based development programs, projects, and activities will be prioritized to attract more tourists from all over the world.

The event was led by Governor Delta, along with Vice Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda, Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, 2nd District Board Members Olga Frances “Fritzie” Dizon and Anthony Joseph Torres.

Also in the event were the members of the Provincial Tourism Council, Local Chief Executives, Directors of National Government Agencies, Public Officials, and Government Employees.