In anticipation of the rapid growth and effects of the tourism industry to the country, the University of the Philippines Asian Institute of Tourism Association of Alumni (UP AITAA) conceptualized a tourism conference project tagged as #TourCon, targeting students of Tourism and Hospitality schools throughout the country, aiming to spread new knowledge, increase awareness and discover innovations to set future trends that can boost the industry.
Last 2016, The UP AITAA launched “Tourism and Hospitality: Careers, Challenges, and Opportunities” as their theme for the 2016 Tourism and Hospitality Conference. It was graced by over 800 students coming from the different parts of the country. Various speakers gave their insights about the industry, discussing the many facets of tourism, plus the challenges and opportunities that come with it. A successful job fair was held for job-seeking students who wanted to start their career right after college. All the events mentioned were done to showcase the beauty of the tourism industry and how its stakeholders can be part of this ever-growing industry.
Now on its second year, once again the UP AITAA brings back its much-anticipated event entitled #TourCon2017 with the theme “Youth For Tourism: 2017 Tourism and Hospitality Conference,” happening on September 30, 2017, Saturday, 8am to 4pm at the Cine Adarna, UP Film Institute, Diliman, Quezon City. This year, the event focuses on the sustainable growth of tourism in the country and to empower the youth to be part of this change in these most exciting times of the industry.
With talks from acclaimed local and international speakers, namely: Mr. Virgilio Maguigad, Regional Director of DOT Region 2, Ms. Simonette Gusi, General Manager of Acuatico and Acuaverde Resorts, Mr. Bernard Quek, CEO and Founder of the Singapore-based Global Hospitality Solutions, and Mr. Aaron Black, Vice President of Asia Operations for Zip Travel Philippines (Inner Outer Travel Inc.)
#TourCon2017 will take its audience to a much bigger, better and bolder move towards its goal for an immense future of the industry. To add zest to the day’s event, the organizers prepared competitions that will test the expertise and vastness of the students’ knowledge in the field of tourism. To name a few, a Destination Marketing Competition, Quiz Bee Competition, and an Events Management Planning Competition in partnership with SMX Convention Center. To cap their UP Diliman campus visit, a “UP Ikot Walking Tour” will be available for the participants who wish to see historical sites inside the campus, take photos and learn about its great olden days.
With a full-house of students coming from the different parts of the country, the #TourCon2017 is another milestone in the tourism industry as a venue to empower students and to promote sustainable tourism in the Philippines.
To know more about the #TourCon2017, visit the event’s Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/UPTourCon or e-mail UP AIT Association of Alumni at upaitalumni@gmail.com.
The #TourCon2017 is co-presented by the Department of Tourism.
Sponsored by Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone (TIEZA), Azalea Hotel and Residences, Zip Travel, Inasal Chicken Bacolod and Ascott Makati.
Special thanks to our media partner, WhenInManila.com and organization partners, UP Asian Institute of Tourism Student Council and UP Club for the Environment and Tourism.
