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Sunday, February 25, 2007
Davao's tourism reflects that of RP
By Grace L. Plata
DAVAO CITY -- The state of Davao's tourism is a mirror of the tourism industry in the whole country.
Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Joseph "Ace" Durano said this in his speech during Friday night's induction of the new Davao Tourism Association (Data) officers headed by businessman Angel Puentespina.
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Durano said if there is a legacy he would like to leave as tourism secretary, it is making Davao City the newest international destination of the country -- comparable to if not surpassing other destinations like Cebu, Bohol, Boracay, and Palawan.
For that reason, he has pushed for Davao City to be chosen as host to the Asean Tourism Forum (ATF), which at present continues to be the standards by which succeeding hosts must compare with.
With the good publicity gained from the ATF, Durano said, they had not lost momentum to further Davao's promotion.
Durano said he even issued an official order that in DOT's participation in the markets of Korea and China, Davao City has to be the featured destination.
He said the idea to promote Davao is something he had conceptualized during his first visits in the city, saying he saw the city's potential.
According to Durano, there are three things that the city can look forward to this year as an additional boost to local tourism -- SeaAir's direct flights from Clark to Davao opening the city to international arrivals via Clark; direct flights from Hong Kong to Davao opening Davao to traffic coming from mainland China; and direct flights from Inchon, Korea to Davao opening the city to South Korea -- the number one source market today.
Durano lauded the efforts of the past Data officers and said he is confident that the new set of officers can face the coming challenges especially with the known entrepreneurial activity of the new president, Angel Puentespina, who is known for his orchids.
"As long as I'm around in the department, you (Data) will have a partner and an advocate in the DOT," Durano assured. (Sun.Star Davao/Sunnex)For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star General Santos. (February 25, 2007 issue)
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