SAN ANTONIO, Zambales — This resort town, hailed as the best tourism destination among municipalities in Central Luzon last March, fittingly hosted the 8th Association of Tourism Officers of Central Luzon (ATOCEL) Convention on July 30 to 31.

The conference, with the theme “From Smart Destinations to Sustainable Futures,” brought together nearly 200 tourism officers, destination managers, and industry partners across Region III at the Luminary Events Place here to share insights and plan the future for regional tourism.

The first day of the conference brought the delegates on the “The Amusing Culture and Heritage Tour” in San Narciso, where participants learned about local culture and heritage by visiting the San Sebastian Church, the Clay Avenue artisanal pottery shop, Bloodless Landing Park, Mango Highway, as well as the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy.

The delegates then capped the first day with the “Kalighawan ha Pantropiko” fellowship night with Botolan Mayor and LMP Zambales Chapter President Jun Omar C. Ebdane, San Antonio Mayor Arvin Rolly D. Antipolo, and San Narciso Mayor La Rainne Abad-Sarmiento formally welcoming the delegates to Zambales.

The second day of the convention featured insightful discussions by three speakers on how to redefine the way destinations are managed and experienced.

The first speaker, Dr. Maria Criselda G. Badilla, professor at the University of the Philippines’ Asian Institute of Tourism, explained how “Smart Destination Governance” can create resilient and competitive tourism destinations.

Dr. Celyrah B. Castillo, dean of the College of Home Science and Industry at the Central Luzon State University, then demonstrated how “Smart Agritourism and Rural Revitalization” can transform rural communities into thriving tourism destinations while preserving their agricultural heritage.

Lastly, Alex Santos, CEO of Philtech Divers and Enterprises, showed how “Virtual and Augmented Reality” are opening new opportunities to preserve cultural heritage and create immersive visitor experiences.

Governor Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. also appeared at the convention to give his message. As chairman of Region III Development Council, he urged Central Luzon tourism stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and integrate tourism plans to address evolving challenges and opportunities the local tourism industry face.

In the same occasion, Gov. Ebdane inducted into office the newly elected officers of ATOCEL. They are: Darmo A. Escuadro, of San Jose City, Nueva Ecija, president; Ana Risa S. Mendoza (Aurora), vice-president; Emisonia C. Gante (Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija), secretary; Paul L. Alata (Capas, Tarlac), treasurer; Gennessy D. Villar (Botolan, Zambales), auditor; and Danica Lolita C. Tigas (Bataan), ATOP regional representative. – Taktikom News & Features