Davao unveils key tourism programs

MANILA, Philippines – Davao is banking on three key tourism programs this year aimed at establishing the region as premier tourist destination in the Philippines.

These are Visit Davao Fun Sale, Let’s Meet in Davao: MICE Davao program and the 9th Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge, which were all launched during a travel and expo tour last week.

“These tourism programs of the region will help position Davao as the ‘islands to highlands’ destination for adventure, beach holiday, food and culture, shopping and as a premier MICE destination,” said Roberto Alabado III, director of Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 11 office.

MICE stands for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions, which the tourism industry wants to attract and be held in the country in hopes this would generate tourism interest.

DOT-Davao office said it is constantly making efforts to establish its region as a MICE destination, similar to Singapore and Hong Kong.

Last year, the region attracted 1.8 million domestic travellers and 121,604 foreign visitors. They cumulatively generated P26.7 billion in tourist receipts, up more than a tenth year-on-year.

Alabado said the events lined up should help attract more visitors to Davao.
Slated from March 25 to May 31, the Visit Davao Fun Sale is a city-wide sale and events extravaganza that will be particpated in by more than 250 establishments.

Alabado noted that last year’s fun sale generated additional 41 percent in domestic travellers and a tenth more of foreign visitors.

Meanwhile, the 9th Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge will feature a 24-hour race to the Philippines’ highest peak and back. It will be held from April 23 to 24.

Finally, the Let’s Meet in Davao program is an overarching platform of the region to promote MICE in their area.
Among the results of the program are tie ups with budget carriers Cebu Pacific Air and Air Asia Philippines.

The airlines provided discounted airfare rates to the region.