Baguio eyes EU tourism deal

BAGUIO CITY — After having the chance to meet with the ambassadors and chargé d’affaires from the European Union (EU), Baguio Tourism Council (BTC) chairperson Gladys Vergara said there is a possibility of a partnership and collaboration with some EU member countries.

Vergara, together with the officials of the City Government of Baguio, have had a discussion with the foreign dignitaries. The ambassadors, led by European Ambassador Massimo Santoro, were in Baguio City from 27 to 29 January to get acquainted with the city and explore opportunities for further collaboration.

According to the BTC chief, she hopes for future collaborations with Hungary, Belgium, Romania, Greece, Austria, Denmark, Germany, France, Lithuania, Czechia, Italy, Ireland, Finland, Cyprus, Sweden, Poland and Slovenia. She said they had talks with Ambassador to Palau Franz Michael Mellbin, Belgium Ambassador Michael Parys, EU Deputy Head of Delegation Ana Isabel Sánchez Ruiz, Ireland Ambassador Emma Hickey, Italy Ambassador Davide Giglio and Baguio Chamber of Commerce Baguio-Benguet president Mark Lacambra.

She disclosed that they discussed the tourism of the city, business partnerships and film tourism where they tackled Baguio’s Montañosa Film Festival and the An Enchanting Christmas in Baguio where EU can give support to such initiatives.

Vergara said that with the continuous engagement with different business groups local and international, there is a hope for further development in the economy of Baguio.