Security plans in place for world tourism meet

CEBU - With 195 foreign delegates and 56 countries confirming to attend 6th World Tourism Forum here in Cebu, the police regional office will be mobilizing all police personnel in Cebu to secure the tourist spots where participants of the event are expected to visit.

“The security will be there and will be felt,” said PRO-7 Director Ronald Roderos. 

Roderos said a platoon of 30 police personnel has already been mobilized to secure the island of Panglao in Bohol where the delegates will participate in a technical visit on the last day before the closing ceremonies. The Bohol Tourist Assistance Center has also been activated.

Tourism Undersecretary Phineas Alburo said no less than President Gloria Macapagal -Arroyo has instructed that Cebu be considered as host of the forum.

The president is said to be confident of Cebu’s “efficient police system,” considering the success of the 12th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit last year.

Manila and Davao were also considered by the national organizing committee.

The Philippines earned the right to host the global gathering after winning the bid during the 5th UNWTO Conference in Tunisia, South Africa in June last year.

Rep. Edgar Chatto, chairman of the House tourism committee, and Department of Tourism planning director Allan Canizal presented and defended the country’s interest to host the event.

The Philippine bid drew support from fellow ASEAN member nations and even earned the backing of China, then the strongest contender for the hosting right.

With the theme “Tourism and the Millenium Development Goals”, the forum will tackle the global economic slowdown, in light of the global market plunge.

The five-day event, from October 21 to 25 at the Shangri-La Mactan Island Resort is targeting around 500 tourism ministers and officials from all over the world.

Alburo said there will be no doubt that Cebu would once again showcase its hospitality and friendliness in allowing the delegates enjoy the island’s tourist attractions.

The forum is composed primarily of three parts- the technical workshop on Tourism Statistics and Tourism Satellite account on 21 and 22, the main conference on 23 and 24, and the technical visit to Bohol on 25. — Niña Chrismae G. Sumacot/JMO (THE FREEMAN)