Frontline staff and personnel of hotels and restaurants in Iloilo City were the first beneficiaries of the “Joyride Ta” project of the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Iloilo City government that kicked off Monday.

In her message before the tour of destinations in this city, Tourism Regional Director Atty. Helen Catalbas emphasized the need for everyone to be knowledgeable of their place and serve as its public relation officers.

She said the first impression would be that the people are knowledgeable, including street sweepers and traffic auxiliaries.

The “Joyride Ta” is a familiarization tour of the various destinations in the city. It will be a guided trip where they are brought to places with a tour guide explaining to them the story of the place.

Catalbas further said they decided to jumpstart the program in the city because it is the regional center.

“Iloilo City is the capital of the region and being the seat of the Department of Tourism regional office, we have to start it here and will be replicated in other major towns and cities,” she said, citing its replication in Roxas City; Kalibo, Aklan and San Jose, Antique.

Catalbas said they have just concluded their seminar on meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibits in Bacolod City.

If funding permits, Catalbas said they hope to continue with the project next year and include in the program not just tourism establishments, but all those making contacts with the public, such as pharmacists, souvenir shops, and frontline services of the government.

She also underscored the role of the media which through them, “what is good, what is new, what is beautiful about the city” are being highlighted. (PNA)