The national convention for the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) begins today in Iloilo City and is set to run until Friday, October 6.

According to Iloilo City Tourism Officer Junel Ann Divinagracia, 1,200 tourism officers, city council members, and government officials from across the country are expected to attend the event.
“We are positioning ourselves to be a MICE (meeting, incentives, conventions, events/exhibitions) destination,” she said. “We have all the facilities, which include venues for their activities and accommodations.”
The event will kick off with a mass at the San Jose Parish Church, followed by a parade.
Afterwards, a plenary session and various talks will take place the proceeding day. Among the subjects to be discussed include “MICE 101- Benefits of MICE to local economies as tool for development,” “Integrating the Three Tourism Sector as One Power Brand Product for Sustainable Tourism,” and “The 5A’s of Tourism Security and Safety as Elements for Sustainable Growth on Tourism.”
A city tour is scheduled for the final day; along with the ATOP-Department of Tourism (DOT) Awards Night, set to take place at the Iloilo Convention Center.
Among the expected guests include Senator Nancy Binay and DOT Undersecretary for Ecotourism, Farm Tourism and Faith Tourism Advocacy Silvino Tejada./WDJ