THE Department of Tourism (DOT)-Davao Region showcased the best of Davao and what it has to offer to the Association of the South East Asian Nation (Asean) delegates in the recent Asean Summit held in Davao City.
DOT-Davao Regional Director Robert Alabado, during the Biz Forum at SM City Davao Tuesday, February 7, bared the positive response of the participants during their week-long tour.
"It's quite a joy how they shared that only in Davao City have they witnessed the best of the picturesque scenes, amazing food, and the Philippine Eagle,” Alabado said.
Last Sunday, February 5, the tourism department sponsored a familiarization tour to top off the start of the year-long Philippine chairmanship in the Asean. They visited the Philippine Eagle Conservation Center where the national birds are rehabilitated and bred in captivity, and the Malagos Garden Resort to taste the best of Davao delicacies.
“It was absolutely wonderful! The tour guides were very informative and accommodating. Given the limited time of three to four hours, we still enjoyed the trip. The food was delicious, especially the cheese. There was a lot to learn in the Philippine Eagle Center. Best of all we loved feeding the birds and having a glimpse of the different species of butterflies,” one of the Asean delegates from Manila said.
DOT-Davao Region emphasized that their aim is to show the other countries how Davao City can be a key destination for high-level meetings and conferences.
“The exposure of Davao as Mice (Meetings, Incentives, Convention and Events) destination is essential,” he explained.
Alabado said that the influx of the official delegates from the Asean regions will give Davao more exposure to the international market.
In February alone, Davao City will be hosting three high-level Asean meetings in partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Trade And Industry, and Department of Labor and Employment.