CATBALOGAN CITY, Philippines — In a move to foster an inclusive and progressive tourism environment, the City Government of Catbalogan, under Mayor Dexter Uy, is preparing to launch the Gender-Inclusive Tourism Statistics Training (GITST) on November 13, 2024, at Bodega Skol on Shell Diversion Road.
This training aims to deepen both the statistical and gender sensitivity skills of local tourism stakeholders, enhancing the city’s service standards and hospitality culture.
The training is organized by the Catbalogan City Tourism, Culture, Arts & Information Office (CTCAIO), led by Ador Hurtado, and is supported by the Catbalogan City Tourism Council (CTC) and the Gender and Development Focal Point System (GFPS). It’s part of the city’s larger Development Project for a Comprehensive Tourism and Cultural Heritage Master Development Plan (CTCHMDP), a strategic initiative to position Catbalogan as a premier destination by advancing sustainable tourism practices and preserving local cultural heritage.
According to Mayor Uy, the GITST is specifically designed to provide frontliners in tourism with essential skills in data gathering, interpretation, and statistical analysis, while also focusing on inclusivity.
“Through this knowledge, we aim to improve our understanding of visitor trends and service gaps, paving the way for targeted strategies that elevate our tourism experience,” he said.
Participants will include managers and staff from accommodations, MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) venues, and popular tourism sites across Catbalogan. By strengthening statistical skills and fostering a gender-sensitive mindset, the training seeks to create an environment where tourism workers can serve visitors of all backgrounds with respect and empathy.
“We’re not only looking at numbers but also at the human element,” Hurtado explained.
“Our goal is to ensure that every tourism worker is empowered to provide the warm, inclusive Catbaloganon brand of hospitality to every guest.”
This initiative is a pioneering step in Catbalogan’s tourism evolution, underscoring the city’s commitment to inclusivity and sustainable tourism. As Catbalogan’s tourism sector continues to grow, Hurtado noted that such training is crucial to ensuring progress that aligns with the city’s core values.
“With this focus on both statistical expertise and gender sensitivity, Catbalogan City is setting a new standard in tourism,” Hurtado remarked.
“As we enhance our approach to service, visitors can expect a more welcoming, informed Catbalogan, where our brand of hospitality reflects our dedication to inclusive, progressive tourism.”
| via Ricky Bautista
