Thursday, August 14, 2008 Zambo Norte to host 7th Mindanao biz gab
WITH increased tourist arrivals of 200 percent, Zamboanga del Norte will have the chance to show to other business leaders its best destinations as it will host the 17th Mindanao Business Conference (Minbizcon) on August 27 to 29, 2008.
Governor Rolando E. Yebes of Zamboanga del Norte, who guested at the Club 888 business and tourism forum at Marco Polo Davao on Thursday, said they posted an increase in tourist arrivals, serving as a gateway to other places like Cebu, Bohol, Negros, and Boracay.
He said during the Minbizcon, US Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie A. Kenney would give the keynote address at the opening ceremony on August 28 while President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is the invited guest of honor during the closing ceremony.
As part of the tradition, the business sector will present issues and concerns that government should respond based on the concerned agencies programs and strategies. The model will provide the government an avenue to listen to the needs of the private sector thereby recommending appropriate government programs addressing said needs.
The Minbizcon, Yebes said is an opportunity for local government and the business community to package the area as an ideal investment and tourism destination in Mindanao.
Yebes said the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) recorded the increase of visitors coming to their area.
He attributed the increase to the linking of their province to the neighboring areas, with it being part of the western leg of the Strong Republic Nautical Highway.
Located In the province is the historic Jose Rizal Shrine located in Dapitan City, most frequented by visitors according to Alemarlou Dagpin, secretary to mayor, who also guested in the same forum.
He said tourism is the key factor in boosting their local economy and the growing volume of tourists has given rise to new hotels, inns and amusement centers in Dapitan especially along the Sunset Boulevard.
He said that among the popular hotels in Dapitan is the new Dapitan City Resort Hotel, which is operated by the City Government.
The Gloria de Dapitan, a theme park, is the newest attraction in the city that houses modern business and recreational complex of restaurants/videoke bars, Internet cafes and computer shops, bowling center, fitness gym, boutiques and salon, and a world-class cockpit.
The works of the theme park is ongoing, he said, with initial investments of P100 million by the Jaloslos family. It also houses a carnival and fitness gym.
