 |
| (Image Source: Junjun Hara, Batangas Provincial Public Information Office) |
In conjunction with the celebration of World Tourism Day and National Tourism Week, the Batangas Provincial Government, through its Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO), formally launched the Batangas Magiting Website and Mobile App, along with the opening of the Tourism Kiosk, last September 30, 2024 inside the Provincial Auditorium at the Provincial Capitol in Batangas City. The opening was graced by Governor Hermilando Mandanas, Vice Governor Mark Leviste, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Board Members, PTCAO Department Head Dr. Katrin Buted, and representatives of partner agencies Department of Tourism (DOT) – Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) and ITDC Systems.
PTCAO shared the continued growth of tourism in the province which recorded more than 17 million tourists in 2023 where 3.3 million were overnight tourists, placing Batangas as the third leading overnight tourist destination in the Philippines following Metro Manila and Cebu. In this regard, the provincial government honored those who took the lead in promoting tourism in Batangas including the City of Sto. Tomas as 2023 Top Same-day Attractions and the town of San Juan as 2023 Top Overnight Destinations. The Island Municipality of Tingloy was also recognized as the Local Government Unit (LGU) with the highest number of PTCAO-registered Tourism Establishments in 2023. The government also thanked and acknowledges its tourism partners including the Department of Tourism (DOT) CALABARZON; Batangas Tourism Council president Juan “Sonny” Lozano and accompanying officers for sharing their own knowledge and guidance as president of the Batangas Tourism Council and Batangas State University – The National Engineering University (BatStateU – The NEU), Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) – Batangas and University of Batangas (UB) Main Campus for their active involvement and participation in research, discovery, and sharpening knowledge in the field of tourism.
PTCAO also paid tribute to the various supporters and benefactors from the private sector, particularly tourism enterprises that extend support to various activities and aspirations for the betterment of tourism, with its participation in the Proudly Philippines Travel Expo in Vancouver, Canada and other local and international travel fairs, expositions and promotional projects. The tourism office also extended its gratitude to its media and social media partners and supporters. Those honored received a Plaque of Appreciation and a subsidy that can be used for their tourism plans which will be implemented in the future. In addition, the Batangas Rewards Card Program was also launched where members can collect stamps for exclusive discounts, freebies, and free travel kits by visiting select establishments across the province. Also present at the activity were Provincial Administrator Wilfredo Racelis, Chief of Staff Maria Isabel Bejasa, AnaKalusugan Representative Rey Reyes, DOT Assistant Regional Director Mario Daga and ITDC Systems Founder Ian Dela Cruz.
(With words by Almira Elaine Baler, Batangas Provincial Public Information Office)
