Tourism Zoom or Tourism Soon: Creating a difference by Redefining the Future of Tourism

“Tourism soon, but this time with stricter health protocols for everybody’s safety.” Such was the chorus of everyone who attended the widely watched Trinity Talk April 10 episode entitled “Tourism Zoom or Tourism Soon: Creating a difference by Redefining the Future of Tourism” and sponsored by the College of Hospitality and Tourism Management. Sec. Bernadette Romulo-Puyat of the Department of Tourism (DOT), in a personalized recorded message, started the discussion by describing the present condition of the hospitality and tourism industry and the overwhelming efforts of the government to help those who are deeply affected. She emphasized that while many cannot go beyond boarders for now, local tourism continues to thrive. She also expressed great hope that, just like in record-breaking year 2019, the beauty of the Philippines and the warmth of the Filipino will soon be re-experienced by the whole world. After Sec. Puyat’s short talk, the panel composed of USec. Roberto Alabado III (DOT Undersecretary for Tourism Regulation, Coordination, and Resource Generation), Attache Gerard “Gerry” Panga (DOT Attache to the United Kingdom and Director for Northern & Southern Europe, Department of Tourism), Ms. Joanne Golong-Gomez (Commercial Director, Hillton Manila), Ms. Angel Alvarez-Lao (Owner, Travel Ilocandia Tours and Travel), and Dr. Ronald Manzano (Chair, Dept. of Tourism Management, TUA) explained to the viewers how those who are in the hospitality and tourism industry must constantly reinvent, be unique, and be resilient to be successful in offering their services to their potential clients. They also highlighted the natural joy and kindness to guests of the Filipino as two of the biggest reasons why once the pandemic had been neutralized, local and international tourism will quickly re-flourish. “We are very thankful to Sec. Puyat, our five panellists, to everyone who helped, and to all who participated. We believe that we all learned so much. The event is one of the educational and fun events CHTM has lined up this year,” said CHTM Dean Dr. Fernando Trinidad III.

For those interested to take BS Tourism Management or BS Hospitality Managment, you may inquire at tua_chtm@tua.edu.ph