|
Monday, April 25, 2005
Tourism dep't launches privilege card
By Jenny Molbog-Mendoza
TO ENCOURAGE local travelers to visit the prime destinations of the country, the Department of Tourism (DOT) launched Saturday the Byahe Na privilege card at the ground level of SM City Davao.
The card is part of the domestic tourism program of the agency wherein discounts from various establishments are being enjoyed by the cardholder.
Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano said in an interview that a Byahe Na cardholder could get discounts from Philippine Airlines (Pal), SM City, Jollibee Foods, and Shell gas station.
"We all know that traveling is expensive, that's why, we are trying to make it affordable through this program. Byahe Na cards are actually for free. You just apply in any of the SM City branches, then you can already enjoy a lot of benefits," he said.
In Davao City, interested travelers can get their Byahe Na privilege cards at the Byahe Na booth (just in front of National Bookstore) at SM City Davao in Ecoland.
Durano expressed optimism that this project of the agency can help a lot in the attainment of their eight million target for the number of domestic travelers this year.
"Last year, we had a total of six million local travelers. So, this year's target is two million higher than last year's accomplishment. Our local tourism is doing well naman. Based on the reports of hotels, their occupancy rates were OK during the first quarter of this year. To increase this more, I'm inviting all Dabawenyos who want to travel all over the country to get your Byahe Na privilege cards now here in SM City Davao," he said.
During the launching, various business leaders and local officials joined Durano in the ribbon cutting ceremony.
Among them were DOT 11 Regional Director Sonia Garcia, Davao City Councilor Leo Avila, Davao City Deputy Mayor Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz, Davao del Norte vice governor Anthony del Rosario, Davao City Representative Prospero Nograles, Davao City Tourism Office chief Id Acaylar, Davao Convention Bureau chief Art Boncato, SM City Davao manager Debbie Go, and executives from Jollibee Foods and Smart Communications.
For Bisaya stories from Davao. Click here. (April 25, 2005 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here. |
|
[return to top]
[home]
[network page]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
SUPERBALITA
WEEKEND
|
