EATOF member nations push for viable tourism programs

CEBU, Philippines - The member nations of the East Asia Inter-regional Tourism Forum (EATOF)—through the Academic Tourism Trade Investment Forum, recently passed a resolution urging the organization’s policy making body to initiate programs that will maximize the tourism wealth of each member countries.

In a mass motion presented to EATOF during the recently concluded convention in Cebu, the members approved the resolution to start-off in creating viable programs in tourism, trade and investment projects.

Priorities identified during the three-day forum held in Cebu recently, included; the establishment of mechanism to promote and sustain the common programs in ecology, and entrepreneurship of its members through information networking and participation in environment and industry-related events.

Also, the promotion of Edu-Tourism (Education Tourism) has to be strengthened, where the academe, government and business players become more active participants in faculty-student-human resources program. This particular move is seen to be feasible through the establishment of EATOF Tourism Education Center.

An intensive study that will be initiated by the organization, on charter flights and travel routes, is also being seen as one of the effective programs that will help boost the tourism, investments and trade development of EATOF member countries, especially in the provinces.  

A strong coordination between travel and tour promoters in member countries was also recommended, wherein the development of travel/tour clusters or tourism swaps shall be started. EATOF members share common tourism and trade events like festivals, trade and exposition, also seminars.

Likewise, an improvised performance appraisal and follow-up strategies shall also be implemented in order to discern future thrusts and determine realistic and attainable projects. This bid is seen to work effectively, under an empowered governance, leadership and cooperation of all members.

This year, EATOF General Assembly hosted by the Cebu Provincial Government led by Governor Gwen F. Garcia, attracted about 108 foreign delegates from member countries, and close to 200 local delegates from tourism sector, academe, and local government units (LGUs).

EATOF is participated by 12 member provinces all over East Asian region. Each province shared their success stories in tourism development and promotion, during the Academic, Trade, Tourism and Investment (ATTI) Forum, which was introduced in Cebu as the newest feature of the EATOF’s 12 year of existence.

Founded by Governor Kim Jin-Sun of Gangwon Province in Korea in 1999, EATOF is a venue for the member provinces to position themselves as viable, attractive and cost-efficient alternatives in an international tourism market that is dynamic and changing, but remains strong. (FREEMAN)