The Department of Tourism (DOT) yesterday cited the importance of the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) annual Travel Tour Expo (TTE) in the development of the country's tourism industry.

DOT Secretary Joseph Ace Durano said the TTE is an essential element in the government's drive to market the Philippines as a leading Asian tourist destination.

“Outbound travel is the other side of the same coin. We cannot develop tourism in the country unless we both have inbound and outbound travel. The PTAA's Travel Tour Expo offers both and that is why it is important for us to continue participating in the event,” Durano said.

Secretary Durano signed a memorandum of agreement with PTAA president Jose Clement III as the DOT renewed its commitment as a leading partner of the country's biggest travel and tourism expo.

Clemente said they are encouraged by the continued support being provided by the DOT to the TTE and their other projects.

“We are very glad to have the Department of Tourism once more as our partner in for the Travel Tour Expo and thank Secretary Durano for his continued support of the PTAA and its projects. We would not be as successful without their invaluable contribution to this event,” Clemente said.

The PTAA is expecting the 16th edition of the TTE to be held in February 6-9, 2009 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City to be the biggest with the participation of more than 200 travel and tourism companies from the Philippines and around the world.

In anticipation of a record number participating companies and public attendance, the PTAA is expanding the floor area of the event to cover three halls of the SMX.

Established in 1979, the PTAA is the country's biggest grouping of tourism related companies.

The Department of Tourism, Region V will be participating in this year's Travel Tour Expo and will be showcasing the Best of Bicol Region and promote it's various tour packages for Bicol.

FIRST DAET INTERNATIONAL KITEBOARDING COMPETITION SOARS UP IN DAET, CAMARINES NORTE

The First Daet International Kiteboarding competition will soar up in Bagasbas Beach, Daet, Camarines Norte on February 5-8, 2009.

Last Quarter of 2007, an American and German National set up a kite boarding school in Bagasbas Beach after they have discovered the potential of the area as kite surfing destination.  Because of the advanced technology, he featured Bagasbas Beach in his website www.mikes-kite.com as an alternative site for the extreme sports enthusists worldwide.

Bagasbas Beach is now being considered as a good location for water sports adventure.  Friendly waves that usually an all year round is an ideal site for those who want to learn wave surfing.  The beach has been listed as one of the ten best surfing destinations in the Philippines.  It has a long and wide expanse of fine gray sand and the break's sandy bottom and generally uncrowded lineups combine to make a comfortable session for surfers og any level.  During windy season from October - March, kite surfers can go island hopping on the nearby towns of Basud, Vinzons, Talisay and Mercedes using only kite boards.

This year, Bagasbas Beach will be the destination of the local and international kite boarding competitors who will display their skills and talent to gain the victory against other kite surfers.  A bikini open and skim boarding competition will also be held simultaneously.

Organizers of the event are:  The Local Government Unit of Daet with the support of Bagasbas Beach Development Council, ABS-CBN Regional Network Group (Bicol), Mikes-Kites Kite Surfing School, Camarines Norte Pineapple Festival Development Foundation Incorporated and the Department of Tourism, Region V.

Ronnel C. Yu, MPA, Municipal Information Officer, LGU Daet