Baguio, Olongapo to promote tourist exchange program

City officials recently authorized the local chief executive to enter into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the local government of Olongapo represented by City Mayor Rolen C. Paulino, Jr. to establish a partnership for the promotion of domestic tourism known as the tourist exchange program.

Under Resolution No. 161, series of 2024, local legislators stated that welcoming the possibility for long-term alliance, both cities have initiated discussions and shall engage in a program that encourages strong collaboration among government officials, employees and stakeholders.

Earlier, the body considered is a letter dated February 16, 2024 of Councilor Gina G. Perez of Olongapo City and the National Secretary-General of the Philippine Councilors League (PCL), formally expressing Olongapo City’s desire to establish a partnership with Baguio City that primarily aspires to promote domestic tourism known as the tourism exchange program to increase tourist arrivals, thus, resulting to additional livelihood and employment opportunities with the salient aspects such as partner hotels may provide significant discounts to tourists upon presentation of valid identification cards indicating the local government unit address; travel agencies and tour operators may create tour packages involving the partner hotels and other tourism establishments and concerned local government, hotels, travel agencies, and tour operators may promote the said incentives to their official websites, social media sites and available local media.

The council pointed out that recognizing the importance of advancing the economic situation of the local tourism industry, Baguio and Olngapo have embraced the concept of the tourist exchange program in partnership with their tourism and business sectors.

The council requested that the signed MOU shall be submitted to the local legislative body for confirmation.

Copies of the approved resolution will be transmitted to Olongapo City for information, guidance, ready reference and further needed action. – Dexter A. See