LGUs urged to help spur tourism

CEBU, Philippines – The Department of Tourism in Region 7 is reaching out to barangays in implementing the Area United Tourism Organization (AUTO), an initiative that aims to create tourism packages comprising of several tourist attractions. 

AUTO is being implemented across the country, but Board Member Agnes Magpale, chairperson of the Provincial Board's tourism committee believes local attractions can be better promoted with the help of the barangays. 

Magpale called on all local government units in Cebu down to the barangays to provide her office with an updated composition of the municipal and barangay tourism councils.

Magpale said all LGUs across the province must have their own tourism councils as a component of the Expanded Green and Wholesome Environment that Nurtures (eGWEN) our Cebu program of Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

She also asked the Cebu Tourism Officers Association (CTOA) to support the initiative.

AUTO is a strategic clustering of regions based on their geographical location. Its objective is to enhance the tourism industry in a cluster area by combining strengths and diversity of attractions. 

It also aims to create a richer, multi-faceted tourism experience that emphasizes the uniqueness of each region, which, in turn, will offer tourists a kaleidoscope of choices, showcasing the range of qualities inherent in the Philippines.

The organization will be composed of DOT regional directors, tourism officers or chairmen and the members of the private sector, from which a chairperson will be elected.  (FREEMAN)