ALIGNMENT of all tourism initiatives and projects in Davao Oriental is needed to cement the province’s position as a prime tourism destination in the country, Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon said.
To highlight her 100th day in the office as a returning governor in Davao Oriental, Malanyaon said in a recent interview with the media that an inclusive tourism summit is crucial to make all tourism stakeholders on the same page as far as tourism development is concerned.
“We want to preserve the nature, culture, and history of our province. We have it all in Oriental. We are on top of the list in terms of tourism in the region. I know that, and I’m very certain. Each of our LGUs has its own attraction. That’s why we are already adopting the tagline Davao Oriental Beautiful,” she added, stressing that the province is now adopting the tagline Davao Oriental Beautiful.
The tourism summit, slated on Wednesday, October 5, at the Grand Ballroom, 3rd Floor, Honey’s Hotel & Restaurant, Brgy. Matiao, City of Mati, is seen as an avenue to present and discuss the short-, medium-, and long-term goals of the province with local executives and tourism stakeholders.
“The summit will basically promote convergence and harmonization in the implementation of all relevant activities anchored on the thrusts and programs of the Department of Tourism (DOT) and in line with the Development Agenda of the Provincial Leadership,” the event’s primer read.
Malanyaon underscored that she knows tourism will boom even more now that restrictions are easing, hence the need to set all necessary measures to attain sustainable tourism.
“We want to start right, we don't want infrastructures to get ahead of us before the foundations for tourism development are being put in place. We want to instill to our tourism stakeholders that they have obligations especially to the environment, culture, and people of the province,” Malanyaon said.
She added that the workforce in the tourism sector also needs to up its game to meet the demand of the developing market.
“We have to be prepared, like the staff in our hotels, restaurants, resorts. Owners really have to spend on human resource development and training,” she said. ASP