Tourism secretary Richard Gordon has urged local government units all over the country and the tourism industry to achieve what he called the 3 A's of tourism development. These are to attract, assure and be accountable.

Gordon made the call as governors and mayors joined the Department of Tourism and the travel trade to chart ways to pursue tourism development and generate more jobs in the countryside.

Some 700 delegates attended the 2nd Tourism Industries Related Congress (Tricon) at the PICC, which focused on the vital role of the LGUs in making tourism work as a primary engine opf economic development, a tourism department press statement said yesterday.

In his opening address, Gordon said local destinations can attract the tourism market by forming and marketing tour packages. He added they could also bring the warm bodies by assuring them of value-for-money, efficient and prompt services as well as safe and pleasurable stay in our islands.

The tourism chief also presented new promotional materials under the WOW Philippines campaign, including its "More Than The Usual" ads targeting tje global media in preparation for the Visit Philippines 2003.