To represent Dir. Karina Rosa S. Tiopes, Regional Director of the Department of Tourism Region 8, Mr. Norberto Lumbre, one of the DOT accreditors- facilitators in the region, graced the conference spearheaded by the second-year students of the Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management of the College of Technology, June 8 at Miguel Romualdez Auditorium, Eastern Visayas State University.
Another discussant from the University of the Philippines- Asian Institute of Tourism, Prof. Maricel Gatchalian-Badilla joined the activity online and gave students and participants the opportunity to synthesize knowledge and expertise in the field of tourism.
The said activity is part of BSHM’s production at Introduction to MICE Industry (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences/Conventions, and Exhibitions Industry).
This year’s theme titled “Revitalizing Tourism and Hospitality: Gearing Toward Impactful Green Investments” was anchored on the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
The MICE activity, guided by Prof. Rodney Abaigar and Prof. Izzem F. Santillan, gave the students the opportunity to put their MICE knowledge to test and applied their learned skills such as planning, organizing, executing, risk managing, leading, and mentoring in the real setting.
The presence of highly esteemed resource persons made the convention even better. The program started with a warm message from the Dean of the College of Technology, Prof. Bernard Niño Q. Membrebe, followed by the opening remarks of the Hospitality and Tourism Department Head, Prof. Harvey R. Romawak.
As for the highlights of the conference, Mr. Lumbre talked through information and updates on the region’s impactful and ongoing green investments.
Green investments in Tourism are sustainable paths to growth. He mentioned the world becomes increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of human activity and travelers are becoming more interested in eco-friendly tourism options.
This growing trend has created an opportunity for tourism businesses to invest in green initiatives, which cannot only benefit the environment but also lead to increased profitability and customer satisfaction.
Meanwhile, Prof. Badilla’s presentation titled “Sustainable Marketing of Ecotourism Locations” showcased various updates and trends in marketing the country and other potential tourism locations in the Philippines.
She further discussed promoting ecotourism locations in a way that emphasized their environmentally friendly features and could also include things like renewable energy sources, sustainable building practices, and responsible waste management.
Indeed, through this activity, the BSHM students become motivated to look forward the bright future and greener pasture in tourism and hospitality in the Philippines.
