First Homestays of the World Summit

This coming December 3-5, 2014, the First Homestays of the World Summit will be held at Nature’s  Village Resort in Talisay City, Negros Occidental.  Organized by the Homestay Philippines (HPI), Homestay Philippines Services Cooperative (HPSC),  the Department of Tourism (DOT);  International School of Sustainable Tourism (ISST) and the Province of Negros Occidental, in partnership with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and the cities of Bacolod and Talisay, this 3-day event aims to have networking among individuals and institutions involved in homestay programs; to have an exchange of best practices to continue to upgrade the services provided to homestay guests; and to create a database for easy retrieval and use by those involve in the industry in order to strengthen marketing efforts. 

Nature's Village Resort

Taleb Rifai

Invited inspirational speaker during the first day of the summit is Mr. Taleb D. Rifai, Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) while keynote speaker is DOT Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez, Jr. who will deliver his address “Homestay: Positive Contribution to Cross-Cultural Understanding & Inclusive Growth.”  A Mabuhay Lunch will later be hosted by the DOT.

Speakers on “Global Presentations I: Homestay Standards – Global Outlook, Local Charm” are Prof. Dr. Zalnab Binti Khalifa (Malaysia Consultant for Homestay) for ASEAN; Engr. Francisco Silva de Calheiros (President: Turihab) for Europe; and Ms. Rebecca Chopp (President: University of Denver) for the Americas. 

Ramon R. Jimenez, Jr.

For “Country Presentations II: Homestay Best Practices – Sustaining Earth, Heart & Hospitality,” speakers are Mr. Chirag Tolia (Project Supervisor: Kapan Monastery & Homestay Village, Nepal), Mr. Rashidi Hasbullah (Secretary-General: Ministry of Tourism, Malaysia), Mr. Patrick Farjas (Director: International Relations “Gites de France”) and Ms. Rose H. Libongco (President: Homestay Philippines, Inc.) while for Country Presentations III: Strengthening Homestay Marketing & Promotions in the New Millennium,” speakers are Mr. Domingo Ramon Enerio (Chief Operating Officer: Tourism Promotions Board) of the Philippines, Ms. Angeles Alarco Canosa (Presidenta Consejera Delagada: Paradores de Espana de Turismo) of Spain, Mr. Jean-Luc Petit (Gen. Manager: ALIZE Voyages & Adventures, Inc.) of France, and Mr. F. Widayanto (Owner: Rumah Tana Baru) of Indonesia. In the evening, a Governor’s Night” will be hosted by Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Maranon.  It will feature a “Noche de los Bailes de Luces.” 

On the second day, interactive breakout sessions will be held in the morning.  Session 1 (Organizing Homestays) will chaired by Mr. Allan Canizal (Asst. Secretary: DOT) and co-chaired by Dr. Mina T. Gabor (Chairman: Homestay Philippines Service Cooperative); Session 2 (Pricing Homestays) chaired by Mr. Miguel Gulogulo (Treasurer: International School of Sustainable Tourism) and co-chaired by Dr. Roberto Kalugdan (Owner: Ibulao, Ibulao in Kiangan, Ifugao); and Session 3 (Security & Safety Concerns of Homestays) chaired by Mr. Austere Panadero (Undersecretary: Department of Interior & Local Government). 

Penalosa Organic Farm

In the afternoon, visits will made, with participants divided into three groups, to a number of Negros Occidental homestays – Rapha Valley Nature Homestay (Don Salvador Benedicto), May’s Garden Homestay (Sitio Aning, Brgy. Pahanocoy, Bacolod City) and Penalosa Organic Farm Homestay.  In the evening, “Talisay by Night” will be hosted by Cong. Alfredo Benitez and Talisay City Mayor Eric M. Saratan. 

On the third and final day, an interactive plenary session and Partner’s Time will be held.  Mr. Paul D. Lazaro, First Vice-President of the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), will speak on “Financing Homestays.”  A Question and Answer session will next be held followed by a farewell lunch with the awarding of prizes to the biggest delegation. 

Nature's Village Resort:  Talisay City, Negros Occidental 6115. Tel: (034) 495-0808 and (034) 495-3368 to 69 . Fax: (034) 495-3368. Mobile number: (0922) 851- 2231  and (0917) 300-7576. E-mail: info@naturesvillageresort.net. Website: www.naturesvillageresort.net.