WITH the launching of the Asean Summit 2017 in Davao City on January 15 at the SMX Convention Center in Lanang, the regional office of the Department of Tourism (DOT) is upbeat that tourism activities here will flourish.
DOT-Davao regional director Roberto Alabado III said at the sidelines of the Asean-Korea Centre-led tourism capacity building workshop on Monday at Marco Polo Hotel-Davao that the city's hosting of the Asean 2017 launching will give Davao more exposure to the international market.
The tourism department will sponsor a familiarity tour with the delegates during the year-long Philippine chairmanship in the Asean.
"From what I know, six Asean-related meetings and events will be conducted in Davao Region, mostly in Davao City," he said.
Alabado underscored that with the DOT-sponsored tour, Asean delegates including senior minister officials will experience the city tour.
"Maybe the tour will be just a three-hour city tour, we will take them to the city's landmarks like the City Hall, San Pedro Church and we will end at People's Park wherein we will prepare a grand presentation showcasing our culture through performances of our talented Davao artists," he said.
Pearl Farm Beach Resort in Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte will also be highlighted as one of the tentative venues for some Asean-related meetings this year.
The Philippines currently gears up for the Asean Chairmanship in 2017, which also coincides with the Association's 50th anniversary.