DOT prepares for Asean summit

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2017/01/04/dot-prepares-asean-summit-518272
• Wednesday, January 4, 2017

By Reynaldo G. Navales

CLARK FREEPORT --- The Department of Tourism (DOT) in Central Luzon is now preparing for the upcoming ministerial meeting of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in Clark in November this year.

DOT Central Luzon Director Ronnie Tiotuico said that the regional tourism office has started conducting safety and security seminars in different various hotels in Clark and in nearby Angeles City.

“Marami na kaming naka-line up na seminars, number one yung safety and security in Clark and Angeles City.

Kasi we expect some 4,000 foreign visitors during the Asean summit,” he said.

Tiotuico said that hotels, especially the five-star ones, are expected to have their own security measures.

But Tiotuico said that the government is looking for another venue following the closure of Fontana Leisure Parks and Casino.

The Fontana Convention Center, which can accommodate 6,000 individuals is still the preference, he said.

The Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC), which can accommodate 5,000 persons, is also being eyed as the venue of the Asean meeting. “They are looking at both places (Subic and Clark). Hindi pa final ang venue. Io-occular pa yan,” Tiotuico said.

Members of the Asean national organizing committee are coming over to look at the situation in Clark and Subic, according to the DOT official.

The Asean summit delegates will visit tourist spots in Clark and Subic and other parts of Central Luzon including Mount Pinatubo and Puning Hot Springs in Barangay Sapang Bato in Angeles City, he added.

Asean is composed of Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Philippines, Malaysia, Laos, Myanmar or Burma, Cambodia, and Brunei.