Department of Tourism, Region 2, Engages at Inaugural Philippine Creative Tourism Congress
The Department of Tourism, Region 2, in synergy with creative tourism stakeholders from the Cagayan Valley region, is making waves at the inaugural Philippine Creative Tourism Congress (PCTC) in Bacolod City. Running from December 6th to 8th, 2023, this three-day event marks a historic collaboration aimed at propelling the Philippines to the forefront of creative tourism.
The first day of the Congress saw the distinguished presence of Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and Congressman Christopher de Venecia, principal author of the groundbreaking Philippine Creative Industries Development Act (PCIDA). Their attendance underscores the government’s commitment to fostering a vibrant creative tourism industry in the country.
One of the major highlights of the event was the presentation of the Creative Tourism Awards, a testament to entities that have successfully integrated creative elements into their tourism offerings. Among the esteemed awardees was the Cagayan Museum and Historical Research Center, recognized for its remarkable collection of artifacts, antiques, ethnography, trade wares, heirloom pieces, and liturgical works representing the rich cultural tapestry of the province. Secretary Frasco and Congressman De Venecia personally presented the award to Senior Tourism Officer Romeo Caranguian on behalf of the PLGU-Cagayan and the Cagayan Museum and Historical Research Center.
In a gesture of gratitude, the Department of Tourism, Region 2, and the Isabela Artist Circle (ISAC) expressed their gratitude to Secretary Frasco by presenting a token of appreciation. This token, a carefully crafted portrait capturing the essence of Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, symbolizes her unwavering support and deep passion for the arts. It serves as a heartfelt gesture from the ISAC, acknowledging her pivotal role in orchestrating the Philippine Creative Tourism Congress.
The PCTC stands as a collaborative effort between the Department of Tourism and the Creative Tourism Network (CTN), a non-profit organization dedicated to spotlighting destinations that leverage creative tourism to captivate the next generation of travelers and enhance the destination’s value chain.
Beyond engaging discussions, the Congress includes breakout sessions and technical visits, offering participants a holistic understanding of innovative approaches and best practices in creative tourism.
The Department of Tourism, Region 2, is proud to contribute to the success of the Philippine Creative Tourism Congress, further cementing its commitment to shaping the future of tourism in the Philippines.#