House Tourism Committee Chairman and First District Congressman Edgar M. Chatto took off for South America as Head of the three man Philippine Delegation to the United Nations-World Tourism Organization(UN-WTO) 17th General Assembly from November 22-30 this year in Cartagena de las Indias, Colombia. The delegation is expected to present Philippine Tourism highlights to drum up support for next year’s major global tourism gatherings to be hosted by the country.
In a letter dated October 23, 2007 signed by Department of Tourism Secretary Ace Durano addressed to UN-WTO Secretary General Francesco Frangialli based in Madrid, Spain, the Chatto- led delegation will also represent the country in the UN-WTO Executive Council Meeting where gobal tourism policy issues will be discussed. DOT Undersecretary Phineas Alburo and Planning Director Alan Canizal will join Chatto in the Colombia gathering.
It may be noted that in the June 2007 conference of UN-WTO in Tunisia, North Africa, the Philippines thru Congressman Chatto won the bid to host next year’s 6th International Tourism Forum for Parliamentarians and Local Authorities. On the same occasion, the year-end session of the UN-WTO Executive Council will also be held. In conjunction with these gatherings, the Philippine delegation will also convey the country’s readiness to host the Asia-Pacific Conference on Tourism Satellite Account(TSA).
In a recent budget committee hearing in congress, Secretary Durano expressed appreciation for Congressman Chatto’s diplomacy, statesmanship and expertise in dealing with international tourism partners which was instrumental in bringing to the Philippines these major tourism events. “Hosting these gatherings was an elusive dream of the Philippine Tourism industry as we failed to grab it in several earlier attempts.†Durano said. “It was only when we asked Congressman Chatto who is our ‘secret weapon’ to represent the country when we finally got it. I do not know how he managed to convince all other interested countries including China’s Minister on Tourism to support us instead of pushing their own bids.†Durano elaborated.
In a letter addressed to Speaker Jose de Venecia, Secretary Durano likewise lauded the Bohol solon for representing the country well in international tourism gatherings and events. In Tunisia, Africa, Durano said that Chatto’s insights as member of the five man panel of reactors created a strong impact among the over 500 delegates worldwide.
Cong Chatto for his part said that the House Committee of Tourism which he heads together with their Senate counterparts led by Sen Dick Gordon is supporting DOT’s effort to position the Philippines as a venue for international global gatherings to boost international tourism arrivals and project a good image of the country worldwide.
While in Colombia, Chatto will meet with key officials of UN-WTO and of countries sitting as members of the Executive Council. He will also confer with preparatory committees which will handle the three major 2008 UN-WTO conferences in the Philippines.
In a meeting with Pres Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo recently, Durano and Chatto expressed preference for Cebu as venue of the next year’s international conferences. Chatto said that side trips to Bohol and other destinations can be arranged to highlight the countryside attractions our country can offer.
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