New NORRHA officers sworn in

 

DOT calls for cooperation to boost economy

DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental, Aug. 7 (PIA) -- The newly-elected officers and trustees of the Negros Oriental Resort, Restaurant & Hotel Association (NORRHA) took their oath before Department of Tourism (DOT) Undersecretary Atty. Mae Elaine Bathan on Aug. 4, 2023 in Dumaguete City.

Bathan thanked the stakeholders from the private sector for their continued support and efforts to pursue their business even during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Your assumption to office comes at a most opportune time as we usher in a strong rebound for tourism.  Our goal now is to surpass what we have already achieved, and to catapult the Philippines at the forefront of Asia’s tourism, if not the world,” said Bathan. 

She also called for cooperation among NORRHA members in ensuring that the tourism industry will remain the country’s "sunshine industry," and to become an Asian powerhouse.

The DOT official said that bolstering the tourism industry will lead to a strong economy and ensure livelihood sustainability for Filipino  families and the continuing profitability of tourism-related businesses, including the micro, small and medium enterprises, which give jobs to millions of Filipinos.

The DOT official also promised to support the development of the tourism industry of the province, especially in the areas of human capital, marketing and promotions, and development planning.

Negros Oriental logged 103,032 domestic guests and 15,836 foreign visitors in May this year.

The province is seen to have a great potential to be one of the major tourism hubs in the Asia-Pacific Region. 

The NORRHA’s general assembly provided an opportunity for members to network, exchange ideas, and strengthen their professional connections.

As NOHRRA reestablishes itself, the association is poised to make a meaningful impact on the region's hotel, resort, and restaurant industry, with a strengthened membership base and a renewed commitment to excellence.

The new set of officers and board of trustees: 

President - Royani Dy (Panda Ice Cream/ Yum Cha Cuisine and Catering Services)

Vice President for Accommodations - Matthew Holder through Lils Ranchez (Atmosphere Resorts & Spa)

Vice President for Restaurants - Gabby Del Prado ( Gabby's Bistro)

Secretary - Kit Calvin Bollos (Plaza Maria Luisa)

Treasurer - Annebeth Sy (Dumaguete Royal Suite Inn)

Board of Trustees:

Lizza Vivar Perdices (Cafe Mamia)

Trinidad Chining Sagarbarria Bustamante (Sans Rival Cakes & Pastries)

Jose Ramon Del Prado (Florentina Homes)

Dr. Sheila Marie Loo Flores (PVL Suites)

Over 75 local hospitality stakeholders in the province were present during the said event.  (JCT/PIA7 Negros Oriental)