Monday, July 02, 2007 Davao takes center stage in Korea Fair By Art Boncato
IN AN unprecedented move, the Department of Tourism (DOT) hoisted brand Davao at the Philippine Pavilion of the Korea World Travel Mart (Kotfa) held on June 7-10 at the expansive and modern Convention and Exhibition Center (COEX) in Seoul, South Korea.
Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano led the Philippine delegation of executives from hotels, resorts, travel trade, and media. Marco Polo Davao and Pearl Farm Beach Resort represented Davao.
In Durano's presentation at the DOT Reception, Davao took center stage as the next hottest destination for Koreans in the Philippines.
Korea continues to be the top source of foreign visitors to the country that has posted double-digit growth rate of 21.7% in the first quarter of 2007 with 171,716 arrivals.
The 180 square-meter Philippine Pavilion had a huge photo of the Kadayawan Festival's Indak-indak sa Kadalanan that served as stage backdrop. Several huge photos of the Philippine Eagle, Waling-waling, and Davao's indigenous peoples strategically stood around the pavilion.
The Kotfa is the most prestigious and biggest travel fair in Korea that attracted at least 75,000 visitors to about 375 exhibitors from 49 countries.
