PGLU FORGES PARTNERSHIP WITH PHILIPPINE TRAVEL AGENCIES
By: Vice Mamaril | Photo By: GPC-PITO | Date: March 30, 2019
Gov. Pacoy and ABONO Party-List Representative Vini Nola A. Ortega pose for posterity with the Philippine Travel Agencies Association, headed by their Vice President for inbound Angel A. Lao, after enjoying the seafood specialties of River Farm Seafood Restaurant in Baroro, Bacnotan, La Union on March 29, 2019. A total of 72 travel agencies from all around the country visited La Union from March 28-30, 2019 to discover places they can include in their tour packages.
To further strengthen and promote the tourism industry of the province, the Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) headed by Gov. Francisco Emmanuel “Pacoy” R. Ortega III collaborated with the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) for a three-day La Union Familiarization Tour held on March 28-30, 2019 in the province.
Participated in by around 80 participants, the tour included a Pilgrimage Tour showcasing the various churches in La Union such as the Nuestra Señora Virgen Del Mar Cautiva in Santo Tomas; Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Charity in Agoo; Shrine of Our Lady of Namacpacan in Luna; St. Christopher Parish Church in Bangar; St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Bacnotan; and the Macho Temple in San Fernando City. They also went on a Farm Tour at Grape Farm in Bauang; Gastronomical Tour in major local restaurants such as Halo Halo De Iloko and Riverfarm Restaurants; Nature and Adventure Tour at Agoo Eco-Fun World, Pugo Adventure and San Juan Surfing Area; and Arts and Crafts Immersion Tour showcasing the Stone Hand Art Gallery in Luna, Naguilian Basi and Silverworks, Abel Bangar and Bacnotan Sericulture and Apiculture Industry.
A Business to Business Meeting (B2B) between PTAA and the different Tourism Stakeholders of the province hosted by Department of Tourism – Region 1 was conducted in the second day. It was a day of networking and opportunity for the province’s industry players to explore new opportunities and strengthen ties in a venue that compliments perfect mix for leisure, meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions.
The PTAA is an organization born out of union of the national associations of outbound travel agencies and inbound tour operators. Founded to foster unity in the travel industry and to promote the welfare of its members and the traveling public, PTAA has more than 500 members and works closely with government agencies. It is widely recognized by international airlines, hotels, resorts, insurance, and cruise companies.
