28/09/2026
IN PHOTOS: 2026 AKLAN TOURISM FORUM
The Aklan Provincial Tourism Office has successfully conducted the 2026 Aklan Tourism Forum in celebration of Aklan Tourism Month, with the theme, "Digital Agenda and Artificial Intellegence to Redesign Tourism," on September 24, 2026 at Gov. Corazon Cabagnot Tourism and Training Center, Old Buswang, Kalibo, Aklan.
The morning session began with a warm welcome from Hon. Jupiter Aelred Gallenero, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member and Committee Chairman on Tourism, Culture and Arts. This was followed by the Aklan Tourism Situationer Report presented by Ms. Roselle Q. Ruiz, Provincial Tourism Officer, where she gave updates on the continued growth and development of Aklan's Tourism industry.
The morning session concluded with a presentation by Mr. Donald R. Rubio, Information Technology Officer II, who shared his expertise and insights on the topic, "Cybersecurity and the Safe use of AI platforms." His discussion highlighted the importance of responsible and secure use of artificial intelligence and digital technologies, as well as their potential application in the tourism sector.
The afternoon session kicked off with an energizer and interactive games to re-energize the participants. This was followed by a presentation on, "Smart NextGen Aklan: Innovating Tourism Promotiom through AI and Digital Transformation," by Ms. Hazel R. Reyes, Senior Tourism Operations Officer II. The session gave a closer look at how artificial intellegence and digital transformation can be harnessed to innovate tourism promotion and help shape the future tourism in Aklan.
The discussion continued with a session on "Digital Marketing and Local Content Creation," presented by Ms. Kristine V. Sumugat, Digital Marketer and Cultural Worker. Where she emphasized the role of digital platforms and locally produced content in promoting Aklan’s tourism destinations, products, and experiences.
The forum concluded with closing remarks from the Provincial Tourism Officer, Ms. Roselle Q. Ruiz, who expressed her gratitude to all the participants and shared a few words encapsulating the significance of the forum and its contribution to advancing digital innovation in the tourism sector of Aklan.
The forum aimed to bridge the gap between traditional governance and digital innovation by equipping provincial stakeholders and future leaders with actionable knowledge on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital transformation. Through the forum, participants were encourage to build sustainable, data-driven, and competitive local destinations.
The event was attended by representatives from various colleges and universities across the province, educators, tourism officers, and tourism practitioners, who actively participated in the discussions and activities throughout the day.
The 2026 Aklan Tourism Forum served as a meaningful platform for collaboration, and innovation, reinforcing the importance of embracing emerging technologies in shaping a more resilient, sustainable, and competitive tourism industry in Aklan.
Photo credits: Aklan Information and Media Affairs Division
