Tourism Heads Focus on Climate, Poverty
and Women at International Cebu Forum
Representatives from different countries tackled issues
on climate change, poverty alleviation, and role of women in tourism
at the 6th International Tourism Forum for Parliamentarians and
Local Authorities (ITF-PLA) held last October 22-25, 2008 at the
Shangri-La’s
Mactan Island Resort and Spa, Cebu.
President Gloria Macapagal - Arroyo during the opening ceremony
stated that the ITF-PLA should not only focus on current issues
affecting the tourism industry but to attend to the dilemmas that
will continue to influence and have an effect on tourism in the
years to come. Furthermore, she emphasized to “keep our faith
in tourism as a powerful instrument to alleviate poverty.”
UNWTO Secretary General Francesco Frangialli, DOT Secretary Joseph
‘Ace’ Durano, and House Representative Deputy Speaker
Pablo Garcia gave the keynote addresses on Policy and Legislation
for Tourism Development.
First held at Cadiz, Spain in 1995, the ITF-PLA assembles tourism
heads, representatives and lawmakers from 154 member states and
more than 350 affiliate members categorized under Business, Destination,
and Education Council.
Office of the President. PGMA's Speech during the Opening Ceremony
of the UN-WTO 6th International Tourism for Parliamentarians and
Local Authorities (October 22, 2008). Retrieved on October 24, 2008 http://www.news.ops.gov.ph/speech2008_oct22A.htm
Gov.Ph News. PGMA to open 6th U.N. tourism forum in Cebu Wednesday.
Retrieved on October 24, 2008 http://www.gov.ph/news/?i=22574
