The Bacolod Tourism Cultural and Development Council was reconvened by Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia through Executive Order No. 22 to develop, promote and market Bacolod City as a major tourism destination.

Former Bacolod Rep. John Orola, who was appointed TCDC chairman and chief operating officer, yesterday said Bacolod City has its golf clubs, adventure tours and culinary courses, and they hope to organize packages related to pilgrimages and arts and culture to make the city a unique and interesting destination.

The members of the Council who were inducted by the Mayor yesterday, include Ronnie Lizares as vice chairman, and Butch Gerasmo, executive officer, and members - Councilors Homer Bais and Greg Gasataya, Ardis Jaculina – Investment and Promotion, Lea Gonzales – Department of Trade and Industry, Ireneo Asuga – Interior and Local Government, Bacolod police director Senior Supt. Ronilo Quebrar, Arch. Lemuel Reynaldo – City Planning and Development Office, Cristina Gaston – Association of Negros Producers, Greg Flores – National Association of Independent Travel Agents, John Marie Lizares – Hotel and Restaurant Association of Negros Occidental, Raymund Tongson – Lions Club, Renier Gerochi – Rotary Club, and Jun Jolita – Negros Press Club.

Orola, who is special tourism envoy to China , Japan and Korea , said the Council is composed of several committees that includes planning, peace and order, promotion and marketing and special events.

He said the Peace and Order Committee, which will be chaired by Bacolod police director Senior Supt. Ronilo Quebrar, includes social services and tourist welfare. The Committee on Promotion and Marketing will create a plan or agenda to promote the city in cooperation with Negros Occidental, he said.

Orola said they will touch base with the various airlines to help them invite travel agents to come to Bacolod and will work with the hotels and restaurants in order to provide them with the necessary assistance especially in the familiarization tours as well as invitational programs to various travel agencies abroad.

“Our target market for Bacolod to become a major destination are the major markets identified by the Department of Tourism, like Japan, Korea, China, US and the ASEAN market,” he said.

Orola said they will also organize travel and trade missions and conduct an intensified tourism awareness campaign using the battlecry adopted by Leonardia before: “A tourist is a friend.” *CGS

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