LEGAZPI CITY  — The provincial government of Albay (PGA) with the Department of Trade and Industry and Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) initiated the tourism investment forum held Friday, August 18.

‘’The project [TIEZA Forum] was about the services and incentives that the local tourism investors can avail should they invest in tourism enterprises,’’ Provincial Tourism Officer Dorothy Colle said.

Albay Governor Edcel Grex Lagman said that the activity focused on the potential of tourism investments in the province through the discussed registration processes and tax incentives for tourism enterprise zones.

‘’The forum also created a win-win scenario for investors and our local communities. While we will promote and spur economic growth and job creation, our culture will be preserved and our natural resources protected,’’ said Lagman.

He noted that to reach tourism excellence,  the natural beauty of each local tourist site, its culture and heritage should be preserved. 

Some of the captivating natural tourist spots in Albay include Cagsawa ruins, and Farm plate found in Daraga town, Kawa-kawa hill and Bambusetum in Ligao, Cagraray Eco Park in Bacacay, Hoyop-hoyopan cave, Quituinan Hills, Solong eco park and tours cave and mountain in Camalig, and Mayon Volcano, among others.

Tourism officers, planning and development officers from three cities and 15 municipalities participated in the said forum to boost their covered tourist spots within their area.

‘’I assure our partners from the national government that Albay is open and ready to be once again, on the country’s map as a top-of-mind tourist destination,’’ Lagman said.

Preparation 

PTCAO held a three-day cultural leadership seminar from August 14 to 16 as a preparation for the Department of Tourism (DOT) Bicol regional launching of the Philippine experience program that will commence in October in Albay and Sorsogon province.

The four-day validation of proposed itinerary was done under DOT Region 5 which was participated by USec Verna Buensuceso of DOT OPMD and other officers from Nayong Pilipino, travel agencies regionwide, regional tour guides, Bicol and Beyond, DOT V, PTCAO Albay and Sorsogon PTCAO.

Various activities within the seminar are also expected to provide opportunities to the participants to show their ability and skills in planning and guiding the tourists.

Through the said event, PTCAO is confident that the participants were equipped and prepared to showcase and promote the tourist sites, culture and heritage in the region.

Indeed, the progress of tourism officers and tourist destinations plays a pivotal role in the provinces, and in the country as a whole in order to achieve success and economic advancement. (PIA5/Albay)