By Mae Singuay

The former director of the Department of Tourism in Western Visayas was appointed as special adviser for Bacolod City’s tourism affairs.

In his executive order issued on Monday, March 27, Mayor Alfredo Benitez designated Cristine Mansinares to the said position.

Benitez said one of the major priority programs of Bacolod is to strengthen its tourism programs and advocacy.

The challenges of rehabilitation and recovery of the city’s tourism industry is a big and complex undertaking that would require advice and assistance from persons with vast experience and knowledge on tourism, Benitez said.

Mansinares’ extensive experience and familiarity in the tourism industry as previous regional director and Negros Occidental Tourism Officer will be a big assistance to the city.

This is to improve and strengthen tourism programs and projects, the mayor pointed out.

Earlier, Councilor Jason Villarosa, chair of the city council’s committee on tourism, said around 80,000 delegates are expected to attend meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) in the city this year.

Benitez held a meeting with the MICE council to find out what other things the city could offer to attract more delegates./MS, WDJ