In line with the celebration of World Tourism Day and National Tourism Week, the City Government of San Fernando through its City Tourism Office, held its CSFP Tourism Week 2017 on September 27 at the Vista Mall City of San Fernando, Pampanga.
Dubbed “Sustainable Tourism – a Tool for Development,” the City Tourism Office lined up some activities that strengthens the cultural heritage and traditions of the city.
Part of the program was the launching of CSF’s Tourism AVP that features the city’s heritage, food and festivals. Also, the City Tourism Office, issued certificate of participation to ‘Star Card’ partner establishments and recognized the tourism related establishments that maintain excellent service standards in compliance with the Tourism Act 2009.
To further promote tourism in the city and the other provinces, a two-day tourism trade fair is conducted at Vista Mall City of San Fernando, Pampanga participated by diverse food industry entrepreneurs from different provinces and tour operators in Central Luzon.
There is also a stall for on – site accreditation by the Department of Tourism to encourage hotels and travel agencies to engage in accreditation of their establishments and businesses.
A Regional Tourism Quiz Bee was also conducted to challenge the knowledge of the Tourism college students from different schools in Central Luzon about World tourism, Philippine Culture and Heritage.
City Tourism Officer Ching Pangilinan said that the city aims to achieve excellence in tourism, to become a preferred tourist destination in Asia.
“Gusto nating palakasin ang turismo dito sa Syudad, dahil nais nating ibahagi at iparanas sa mga turista ang ating mga ipinagmamalaking kultura at tradisyon. Sa pamamagitan nito, maipapamalas ng mga Fernandino ang kanilang kahusayan at maipakikilala nila ang mga produkto ng syudad San Fernando,” Pangilinan added.
In his speech, Mayor Edwin “Edsa” Santiago stressed the importance of having sustainable tourism development in the city, wherein it will create employment and generate trade opportunities.
“Bukod sa gusto nating puntahan tayo ng mga turista, nais din ng gobyerno na makapagbigay ng trabaho sa mga Fernandino. Dahil dito sa syudad San Fernando, prioridad natin ang sama – samang pag unlad. Pangarap natin na walang maiiwan at sabay-sabay nating makakamit ang kaunlaran para sa bawat isa.” Santiago said.
Also present during the program were Vice Mayor Jimmy Lazatin and City Councilor Harvey Quiwa.