CASTILLEJOS, Zambales — Tourism officials, local legislators and industry stakeholders in Zambales are strengthening coordination to build a safer, more competitive and future-ready tourism industry in the province.
The Tourism Legislative Forum held on October 6, spearheaded by Maria Domitela D. Mora, Provincial Government Department Head of the Provincial Tourism and Investment Promotions Office (PTIPO), brought together Sangguniang Bayan tourism leaders, municipal tourism officers, tourism stakeholders, the Police Tourist Unit and tourism partners.
The forum was hosted by the Municipality of Castillejos through Mayor Jeffrey D. Khonghun.
Discussions focused on key tourism priorities, including the Tourism Situationer and Arrivals, Tourism Awards, the Provincial Tourism Code and Tourism Plan, Dinamulag 2027 activities and events, and the El Niño Preparedness Plan.
Supervising Tourism Operations Officer Kevin Lesaca Nacabuan presented the tourism updates and preparedness measures, while FoZTA President Gerald M. Cabauatan discussed the association’s role and future initiatives to strengthen cooperation among tourism stakeholders.
The Tourism Police Unit also provided updates on its organizational structure and tourism-related activities, particularly efforts to improve tourist safety and address drowning incidents in the province.
Social Media Manager Rolly A. Abelon presented the Digital Tourism Ecosystem for Marketing and Promotions of Zambales, highlighting the importance of digital platforms, storytelling and collaboration in promoting the province as a tourism destination.
In her synthesis, Mora emphasized the need for collaborative tourism, a safer tourism environment, capacity-building programs and future projects, including the creation of a Creative Unit Group to strengthen tourism marketing and communications.
