Ambassadors, consuls to visit Cebu

MANILA, Philippines - The 2015 edition of the Ambassadors, Consuls General and Tourism Directors Tour (ACGTDT) promises to be a memorable affair, as participants will be brought to Cebu, the Queen City of the South.

Now in its tenth staging, the annual tour will enable this year’s participants to visit historical sites and landmarks in the Philippines’ second largest city, such as Fort San Pedro, the oldest triangular fortress in the country, Magellan’s Cross, Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño which now houses the statuette of Sto. Niño, Casa Gorordo Museum and the Taoist Temple.

The tour in Cebu also includes visits to local manufacturing industries, including the island’s world-renowned furniture, dried fruit, local handicrafts and fashion accessories. Should participants wish to explore more of the region, there are post-tour packages to nearby popular tourism destinations such as Bohol, Boracay, Davao, Dumaguete and Palawan.

Upon arrival in Manila, guests will be billeted at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza and the option to experience different day tours, including Manila City, ABS-CBN studios and Corregidor Island, one of the most revered and hallowed sites of World War II.

The ACGTDT was initiated in 2005 under then Ambassador to Washington Albert del Rosario, who is now secretary of Foreign Affairs. The flagship tourism project has become an annual activity, involving all Philippine Foreign Service posts in the US, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Tourism and Rajah Tours Philippines.

It has also become a venue for Filipinos and Americans to explore trade and investment activities in the Philippines, whose economy has grown significantly since President Aquino’s assumption into office.

“I invite my countrymen in the US as well as our American friends to take part in this amazing tour and witness for themselves the tremendous growth that has been achieved in the Philippines in recent years,” Ambassador Jose Cuisia said. “The organizers are hard at work putting together a wonderful program and I am certain they will not disappoint this year’s participants.”

Interested parties may visit www.acgtdt.com for additional information and pricing. Deadline for registration is on May 15, 2015.