TOURISM stakeholders will be asking regional offices of national government agencies and other big organizations to hold their events in Davao City, a city tourism official said.
City Tourism Operations Officer (CTOO) Generose Tecson said they met with the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc., (DCCCII), Thursday afternoon, to plan out activities that would encourage the influx of tourist as soon as the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) crisis subsides.
“We will urge the national agencies especially here in Davao and who have top positions in their organizations or associations to hold their conventions here in Davao City,” she said during the iSpeak Forum, Thursday, March 5, 2020.
She admitted the tourism industry in Davao City is not spared from the negative impact of the health crisis although they have yet to gather data on the decrease in tourist arrivals for the first quarter of the year.
However, she said there are still big events pushing through in the city.
“Actually in April, (we have a big) event. [It is a] gathering [of a] religious organization and they are going to have around 5,000 guests. Ironman is moved to May 10 and it will also give a chance for the participants of the Ironman to bring their families and friends here in Davao,” she said.
She also urged other tourism stakeholders to be creative in attracting tourists to come to the city.
“Murang accommodations, discounts sa mga restaurants, spa, and maybe our malls can also offer ‘yung mga sale para maka-attract po tayo ng mga bisita dito sa atin. Yun po yung mga plus factors natin na wala masyado in other provinces,” she said.
With the looming health crisis, she said she is certain that they cannot achieve the target tourist arrivals for the year but she remains hopeful.
“Mukhang hindi but I believe in miracles so it may happen pa rin,” she said.