NAGA CITY –- Some 83 key tourism stakeholders and investors converged on Tuesday, October 2, 2007, in what they termed as enhanced exploratory initiative to strengthen the tourism industry in Bicol.

Caption: CULTURE OF TOURISM. Naga City Mayor Jesse M. Robredo presents Naga’s tourism investment plan before participants to the 1st Bicol Regional Tourism Investment Forum organized by the Bicol Regional Tourism Council and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Rhandy Villaflor

        The Bicol Regional Tourism Investment Forum, the first ever to be held in the region, effectively served as a facility through which the stakeholders cooperatively pooled their ideas to come up with multi-pronged plans and strategies aimed at zeroing in on the opportunities and challenges that will provide the industry with sustainable growth.

        The gathering enabled tourism players to obtain a broader plane wherein they can make investments for tourist-friendly businesses. It also visualized for would-be investors in the region an effective guide on where, how and when to pursue tourist-friendly business including stipulated benefits and advantages extended by the government like tax holidays and exemptions as discussed by DOT-TIRG Regional Director Ma. Victoria Jasmin.

        The activity was organized by the Bicol Regional Tourism Council (BRTC) and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT) thru Regional Director Nini Ravanilla who discussed an overview on tourism investment in the Bicol region.

        BRTC Chair Daniel A. De Leon expressed elation over the forum’s outcome which had been arrived at due to participative attendees who unselfishly manifested their all-out involvement in the discussion.

        Among the forum active partakers were Naga Mayor Jesse M. Robredo who discussed the city’s experience and plans on creating an environment that is conducive to tourism investment and development. Naga has 26 hotels and 80 restaurants.

        Businessman Fidel Cu, of FLC Group of Companies, which include the Golden 7 Bank and the forum venue Avenue Plaza Hotel, shared essential insights on the importance of building investments in the locality to boost employment and enhance the locality’s business and tourism climate.

        The Sunwest Group of Companies headed by Elizalde Co presented his company’s P4.1 – billion investments on Misibis, a well-planned tourist destination for retirement, recreation and rest located in Albay.

        Talk on Special Economic Zone Act was given by Emmanuel Cortero of PEZA while information on government’s lending program and credit facilities was rendered by Abelardo Monarquia of the Development Bank of the Philippines.

        Engr. Emeterio Aman of Enjoy Realty and Development Corporation disclosed his company has been engaging in developing lands as retirement areas and constructing affordable retirement homes. He said Naga City is an ideal place for retirement tourism considering its plus factors: tropical climate, best nursing schools, hospitable people, “the Maogmang Lugar” image, best medical facilities, globally recognized local government and vibrant business sectors.