Impact of terrorism, calamities to highlight tourism congress

CEBU, Philippines — Other than promoting top destinations in Cebu and elsewhere, tackling sensitive issues like the threats of terrorism and other forms of violence are among the salient discussions in this year's school-initiated tourism congress.

Tourism students from the University of San Jose-Recoletos, the lead organizer, are prepping up for the annual Youth Tourism Congress (YTC), now on its 7th run, with the theme, "Tourism Resiliency in Adversity."

The one-day event on September 29 will be held at the Cebu City Marriot Hotel.

In a press conference, the organizers revealed that one of the main points to be presented during the gathering is the effects of terrorism in travel and tourism, as they intend to invite an international speaker from Malaysia.

The student organizers pointed out that the country has been experiencing serious situations like the Marawi City siege and the several natural calamities that might lead to the decrease in tourist arrivals.

"These issues somehow affect the local tourism industry. As a tourism practitioner, it is important for me to know how to handle certain situations so that we can help in restoring whatever will be affected," said Janice Desgranges, over-all YTC 2017 student coordinator.

What used to be a school project has now grown into a huge yearly event.  The holding of a tourism congress has been one of the requirements that third year tourism students has to comply with under their Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Events Management class.

Ryan Jay Abrahan, class adviser and one of the professors from the Tourism and Hospitality Department of USJ-R, said the university is the first to initiate such event, until other institutions followed suit.

He said the academe has always envisioned for young stakeholders to become equipped individuals preparing them for whatever challenges lies once they step into the tourism industry.

Significantly, he pointed out that the congress has apparently built a network among tourism students from different institutions and encouraging them to participate proactively in the various tourism-related programs in the region.

The one-day event on September 29 at Cebu City Marriott Hotel is expected to convene about 300 tourism and hospitality management students from different colleges and universities in Cebu and even outside the island.

Abrahan said the activity will serve as a venue that would facilitate the exchange of knowledge and ideas among different sectors from the private groups, academe, the government, among others.

Cebu Vice Governor Agnes Magpale and representatives from the Department of Tourism-7 are expected to grace the event.

Sam Mutalib Ali, a professional tour guide from Malaysia, will be the main speaker.

Other topics will revolve around environmental stewardship for sustainable tourism and tourism marketing challenge. (FREEMAN)