National Tourism Week ’05 A synthesized celebration of tourism, history & culture

Museum tours free of charge, promotional rates for your dream tour package, a regional showcase at your favorite shopping center for your convenience, plus a whole lot of tourism style of merriment. These and more are in store for you in the ongoing celebration of the Department of Tourism’s (DoT) “National Tourism Week” (NTW) until Sept. 27.

Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano announced, "The programs we have prepared are designed to be enjoyed by all. This is everybody’s celebration and so I invite everyone to join and participate in our numerous activities for this year’s National Tourism Week."

"Travel and Transport: From the Imagination of Jules Verne to the 21st Century Reality," is the theme of NTW 2005 as it coincides with the World Tourism Day (WTD) on Sept. 27. The DoT-spearheaded program’s subject is correspondent to the WTD’s controlling theme. The World Tourism Organization chose to give credit to Jules Verne, a pioneer creator of science-fiction stories, who introduced new modes of transportation and ways to travel in the 21st century in his literary pieces.

The direct relationship between advances in transportation and growth in the tourism industry can be clearly traced from the use of a car, jet aircraft, and sea vessel in particular have made travel accessible to a fast growing number of tourists.

This year’s edition of the NTW aims to underscore the significance of the partnership between the government and private sector in the development and promotion of Philippine tourism in order to highlight and preserve the Filipino culture and arts.

"This event, which is observed every third week of September, is in line with the Department’s commitment of upholding the Philippines as a prime, ideal tourist destination," added Durano.

An opening program with a mass to be held at the DoT Quadrangle will formally commence this year’s festivity.

One of the major projects for National Tourism Week 2005 is the museum tours free of charge to provide spectators a comprehensive showcase of the nation’s history and culture.

Big discounts await everyone offered by the various tourism-related associations and entities such as tour operators, hotels, resorts, airlines, among other establishments.

To generate awareness and appreciation of ‘tourism’ among the students, as well as the public, the yearly Tourism Quiz Bee is also slated at WOW Philippines’ Clamshell II in Intramuros. This activity will also encourage participation and support from the youth in the government’s tourism programs and projects.

Furthermore, to maximize the presence and exposure of the regional showcase that is usually held in Intramuros and features local tourist spots, arts, crafts, and delicacies, the "WOW Philippines!" presentation will be brought closer to the residents of the south of Metro Manila and its neighboring towns. The people are going to witness and enjoy the said exhibit scheduled at the Festival Supermall from today until Sept. 25. Participating districts for this DoT and Festival Supermall joint venture are the National Capital Region, Southern Tagalog Region, and Davao Region.