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Sunday, December 18, 2005
Mindanao gets a facelift
A "NEW Mindanao" would be unveiled next month when the island hosts the 2006 Asean Tourism Forum (ATF) in Davao City, tourism officials said.
Tourism Undersecretary Oscar Palabyab, Department of Tourism's (DOT) national coordinator for the Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines-East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), said the National Government has identified Mindanao as the country's lead tourism package in the ATF.
The 2006 ATF, considered as the biggest tourism gathering in the Asean region, is slated on January 13-21.
"We're preparing a new package for Mindanao, which we are developing as the next banner tourism destination in the BIMP-EAGA and the Asean region," Palbyab said at the First Region 12 Tourism Summit last week.
The tourism undersecretary said the forum would showcase tourist attractions, products and the ongoing tourism development efforts in the island's six regions.
Mindanao is composed of the Northern Mindanao, Western Mindanao, Davao Region, Soccsksargen, Caraga, and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
Palabyab said Mindanao and Palawan, which are key components of the BIMP-EAGA, have "the best untapped natural attractions in the region."
He cited the world-class dive spots, eco-tourism sites and other natural attractions in the area.
Meantime, Palabyab said at least 10 countries in Asia have already confirmed their participation in the ATF. Among those expected to attend are delegates from China, Japan and India.
"We have also potential buyers coming in from as far as Europe and Africa," he said.
Palabyab added that the event has also attracted the attention of various international media outfits such as the Cable News Network and the British Broadcasting Corp. (Allen V. Estabillo)
(December 12, 2005 issue)
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