Philippine tourism department lauds southern city of Ormoc

The Philippine Department of Tourism lauded the local government of Ormoc City in the south of the country for their work in transforming it into one of the region’s rising tourism and MICE destinations.

Ormoc is the economic, cultural, commercial, and transportation hub of western Leyte in the Visayas Region.

The city received three awards from the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) during its recently-held Pearl Awards.

The DOT’s regional director for the Eastern Visayas Karina Rosa Tiopes said that Ormoc City brought home three prestigious awards in the independent/component city category during the ATOP national convention held from 9 to 12 October in South Cotabato, Mindanao.

Tiopes said: “This just shows that we have a local government and a local tourism office that is now becoming competitive in terms of performing their mandated tasks. This should inspire other local governments and give them the confidence to bid for awards.

Other accolades

Ormoc City also has the distinction of being the grand winner of the Best Sports Tourism award for hosting the Philippine Summer Ball Dancesport Championship last year.

Tiopes pointed out that the event showcased Ormoc as a prime destination for sports tourism, elevating its profile on the national stage.

The city was also hailed first runner-up in the Best Practices for Community-Based Tourism for its The Visionary Chasing Eco-Tourism Dreams: From Mountains to Mangroves programme

Tiopes said the initiative exemplifies the city’s dedication to sustainable tourism development and community empowerment.

Likewise, Ormoc ranked as second runner-up for hosting tourism events such as the dynamic Road to Blue Zone which highlighted its ability to hold impactful gatherings that attract attention from visitors and stakeholders alike.