Fishing and tourist boats line the shores of Barangay Pundaquit in San Antonio, Zambales before sunrise as operators prepare to ferry visitors to nearby island and cove destinations. The municipality will host this year’s Association of Tourism Officers of Central Luzon Convention, where it aims to showcase its tourism attractions and development initiatives (Photos by Joanna Rose Aglibot)

SAN ANTONIO, Zambales—This town will host this year’s Association of Tourism Officers of Central Luzon (ATOCEL) Convention next week, as the municipality showcases its growing tourism industry and forges stronger partnerships with tourism stakeholders across the region.

In an interview on Wednesday, Mayor Arvin Rolly Antipolo said the municipal government is preparing for the arrival of around 250 to 300 tourism officers from across Central Luzon who are expected to attend the convention.

“We want to take this opportunity to show what San Antonio has to offer and share the projects we are planning for the continued promotion and development of our tourist destinations,” said Antipolo.

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READ: Zambales town named top tourist destination in Central Luzon

The mayor said the local government volunteered to host the convention after being recognized as one of Central Luzon’s top tourism destinations.

Delegates are expected to arrive on July 30, followed by an afternoon familiarization tour highlighting San Antonio’s tourism best practices.

A “Mayor’s Night” will also be held to introduce delegates to the municipality’s tourism attractions through a mini variety show.

The second day of the convention on July 31 will feature a luminary activity alongside the conference proper.

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Antipolo said the municipality hopes the gathering will open opportunities for collaboration with tourism officers and tour operators from other parts of Central Luzon, particularly destinations that do not have coastal attractions.

Known as the gateway to beaches, islands, and coves, the town has emerged as one of the province’s leading tourism hubs./coa

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