Top travel vloggers and influencers who have significantly impacted the country's tourism industry will be recognized during the Go Negosyo Tourism Summit 2023 at SM Seaside City in Cebu City on May 6.

(Go Negosyo / Facebook)

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Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion said this as he emphasized how these social media travel and tourism influencers have played a key role in promoting the country's various tourist spots locally and internationally.

Through the internet, Concepcion said the domestic and local tourists could see more of what they can expect when they visit more places in the Philippines.

"Influencers and content creators are important. This is an area that will really help our MSMEs (micro, small, and medium enterprises)," he said.

"We hope to have more content creators to market the Philippines in terms of having the best beaches, the friendliest people, even the best food in Asia," he added.

Travel content creators such as Bogart the Explorer, Kyle "Kulas" Jennermann of "Becoming Filipino," Carl Chuidian of "The Chui Show," Angelica Gapit of "Angelica and Aileen Wanders," and Herbie Arabello" of "NSTV Travel Vlog" will join the summit.

A Special Award for Travel Vloggers and Influencers will recognize inspiring travel content creators who have made significant contributions to the country's tourism landscape through social media.

Aside from the influencers and vloggers, 20 enterprises operating in the tourism industry will also be recognized via the "Inspiring Tourism Entrepreneurs Awards" for their role in promoting the country's tourism industry.

The winners will come from MSMEs in accommodations, tour services, unique attractions, food tourism, retail and services, community-based cultural tourism, and sustainable tourism/ecotourism.

Concepcion said vloggers and influencers have contributed directly to the recovery of the country's tourism industry.

"Through their help, our tourism numbers are now returning to pre-pandemic levels while many income opportunities have opened for our MSMEs in various parts of the country," he said.

Co-presented by the Department of Tourism and the Tourism Promotions Board with venue partner SM Seaside City and with support from the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Tourism Summit will gather the who's who in the travel and tourism sectors, including industry experts, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders in a one-day event to tackle the future of Philippine tourism and the economic opportunities it presents, particularly for MSMEs.

To open the event, Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia and Tourism Sec. Christina Garcia-Frasco will deliver special messages of encouragement.

The event will also hold panel discussions led by key government officials and industry leaders. The panelists include ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA) president Eddy Soemawilaga, Cebu City Mayor Michael Raa, General Luna Mayor Sol Matugas, Panglao Mayor Edgardo Arcay, PCCI Director for Tourism Samie Lim, AirAsia CEO Ricky Isla, Cebu Pacific president Alexander Lao, Henann president Alfonso Chusuey, internationally renowned designer Kenneth Cobonpue, and Philippine Hotel Owners Association Executive Director Benito Bengzon.