Davao City (7 October) -- The Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) will hold the 7th Annual National Convention in Koronadal City, South Cotabato Province on October 4-7, 2006 with the theme: "Turismo: Kabalikat sa Pag-unlad".

The event will be a convergence of governors, board members, mayors, councilors, tourism officers and other personalities of tourism industry throughout the Philippines. Department of Tourism Secretary Ace Durano will grace the convention.

Highlights of the convention are Election of ATOP National and Regional Officials, Presentation of Bids for the 2007 ATOP National Convention and the Awarding of 1st ATOP Best Tourism Practices Awards.

Best Tourism Practices Awards are Most Outstanding Tourism Officer of the Philippines, Best Tourism Event in the Philippines, Most Outstanding Tourism Officers Club of the Philippines, and Best Tourism Week in the Philippines.

ATOP will bring together 300 participants and delegates from all parts of the country to convene on matters aimed at professionalizing the abilities of tourism front liners towards the successful implementation of tourism plans and programs.

Among others are topics relevant to promoting genuine tourism development for an industry that is a continuing propelling proponent of Philippine progress. ATOP aims to gain new grounds and strengthen ties for a more dynamic tourism industry while enjoying the tourism opportunities offered by the Province of South Cotabato.

The 7th ATOP National Convention will be welcomed by South Cotabato Provincial Governor Daisy A. Fuentes. It will also be a mobile convention wherein the participants will encounter the numerous tourism destination of South Cotabato, one of which is Lake Sebu a notable eco-cultural haven found in the hinterlands of the Province. There will be Mindanao destination and products exhibit at Marvella Hotel, the venue for convention.