SUMMARY
This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.
MANILA, Philippines – In a bid to establish Makati as the business tourism hub of the Philippines, the First HoReCa Makati Festival opened Monday, September 15.
The concept of HoReCa – a contraction of the words Hotel, Restaurant, and Cafe/Catering – is being introduced here in the Philippines, with the objective of helping the country achieve its tourism goal of 10 million tourists by 2016.
Should the goal be achieved, the DOT said it should translate to the employment of 6.8 million people, contributing an additional 7% to national employment and an 8.1% share in the country’s GDP.
HoReCa is one of the fastest growing touristic sectors in Europe and the Middle East, said festival chairperson Triccia Dacer.
Mayor Jejomar Binay Jr, in his keynote speech delivered on his behalf by Councilor Tosca Puno Ramos, expressed certainty and optimism about how the HoReCa sector will lead to business growth and open several opportunities simply because everybody loves food essentially making it an undying business venture.
“Food is our common ground, a universal experience,” he quoted renowned American cookbook author James Beard. “HoReCa I must say is a perfect place not just for business, but for cultural exchange. In fact for discovery and learning, savor this notable moment in the history of Makati tourism,” he added.
Event exhibitors included several of Makati’s premiere hotels, which offered attractive promo packages as their way of celebrating the occasion.
They also had a round table discussion about the issues, trends, and challenges in HoReCa. Panelists included Tourism Assistant Secretary Benito Bengzon, House Committee Secretary on Tourism Marilou Fernando, Makati City councilor aMa. Conception Yabut, and 2013 Miss Makati Ivana Kamil Pacis.
The opening of the festival was capped with the covenant signing to support Makati a the Business Tourism Hub of the Philippines. Signatories include board members of the Makati Tourism Foundation Inc (MTFI) – the primary organizing body of the HoReCa Festival – and Makati government officials.
The Bangkal High School Caracol Group, the 2014 champion of the Makati Caracol Festival, provided entertainment at the event.
The MTFI is a non-profit and non-governmental organization that aims to promote Makati as a center for business operations and tourist attractions.
MTFI President Dr. Elton See Tan explained that their purpose is to increase public awareness on the essentiality of tourism to business opportunities and employment in order to foster economic growth.
The HoReCa Festival will run until Tuesday, September 16, at the Glorietta 2 Activity Center. – Rappler.com
Add a comment
How does this make you feel?
There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation.