Ilonggo solon among RP’s rep in world’s biggest tourism summit

By Florence F. Hibionada / PNS
March 3, 2014

ILOILO CITY – Iloilo First District Representative Oscar “Richard” Garin Jr. represents the Philippines in a 7-day tourism summit in Berlin, Germany. A neophyte in Congress, the Ilonggo solon was chosen along with Bohol Representative Rene Relampagos, chair of the House Committee on Tourism. Garin for his part was selected in recognition for his efforts to further Iloilo’s tourism potential particularly in Southern Iloilo.

The world’s biggest travel and tourism gab, a total of 180 countries participate with the Philippine government sending two Philippine senators, Relampagos and Garin. Leading the four officials is Philippine Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr.

Dubbed the “Internationale Tourism Borse” (ITB), Secretary Jimenez highlighted the country’s participation saying it is here where the Philippines can get “important impulses for a continuous growing market.”

“With ITB, trade and consumer visitors get the chance to explore the international travel industry’s entire product spectrum,” the Tourism Secretary said in an official communication sent to the solon.

Such as he added how the ITB has since been recognized as “the driving force” in the world’s travel and tourism industry.

“The whole variety of travelling is present at ITB Berlin: Destinations, tour operators, booking systems, carriers, hotels and all other suppliers who want to embellish their customers' most beautiful weeks of the year. ITB Berlin brightens your business,” official word from the ITB went while adding how the event has become the platform for trade visitors.

Sentiments shared by Garin who said this international gathering is yet another excellent opportunity to discover the rest of the tourism world.