PALO, Leyte – The Leyte provincial Culture and the Arts Council has elected last week its new set of officers with the mandate to promote Leyte as a “prime tourism destination.’

Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho “Icot” Petilla, newly elected chairperson of the council, said that tourism organization in the province woukd not only be promoting tourists spots but would also work for the preservation of Leyte’s rich history, culture and natural resources.

The other elected officers were Marirose Veloso, vice chairman for tourism; Merly Alunan, vice chairman for arts and culture; Antonio Cinco, secretary; Lina Palabyab, public relation officer; Wilson Chan, business manager; and Roque Tiu, auditor.

The election was held last November 19 at the Leyte Small and Medium Enterprise Development (SMED) center.

“Our objective is to unify all tourism and culture-related organizations into a cohesive umbrella council that will facilitate the formulation of policies and direction towards the attainment of common goals and specific objective,” Petilla told Leyte Samar Daily Express Daily Express.

The governor vowed to invite tourists to visit Leyte not oily during special occasions but also in ordinary days to ensure a more sustainable tourism industry in the province.

As the highest governing body in the province on tourism and cultural concerns, the council will lead in the formulation of policies and strategies for the development of Leyte’s socio-economic, cultural, artistic, historical and ecological resources.