Local airline eyes city for expansion

THE participation of Davao City in the 2013 World Travel Market (WTM) that was held at Excel London in the United Kingdom from November 4 to 7 was a big success, a city official said.

Davao City Tourism Office officer-in-charge Lisette C. Marques told reporters that during the event, they had discussed the possibility of making Davao City as a hub and gateway to other destinations in Mindanao by Philippine-based Skyjet Airlines.

"During the fair, we were able to meet the president and CEO of Skyjet Dr. Joel A. Mendoza and his wife Ma. Rosan C. Mendoza. We have talked on the possibility of making Davao City as a hub," Marques said.

She said the airline is eyeing the city as a gateway to other areas in Mindanao, like Siargao, and also as a regional airline for BIMP-Eaga routes.

Marques also said they have suggested that Skyjet begins first with charter flights to Davao to test the market.

"This December 10, we will be meeting them to discuss about the plans," she said.

Marques said British and European tour operators also saw potential in investing in tourism in Davao Region, particularly on adventure trips, cultural immersions, and beach resorts.

She said they were also able to identify actions that are needed to be taken in order to lure more British or European tourists.

One of the things they are eyeing is adding or identifying more attractions in city that they might include to tour packages. She also sees the need to develop heritage sites.

"We observed that the visitors at our booth were interested in adventure tours. In line, we need to make sure that their safety is word class starting with the basic facilities in adventure sites," she said.

The country sent a total of 95 delegates headed by DOT Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez Jr. Davao has a total of nine delegates led by DOT regional director Arturo P. Boncato.

Albay, Masbate, Sorsogon (Alamasor), Palawan, Bohol, Cebu, Boracay, and Northern Philippines were featured in the country's 300 square-meter booth.

DOT's "It's More Fun in the Philippines" campaign will be seen throughout London in two double-decker buses and 115 taxis while 300 taxis will be showing tourism videos of the Philippines. The country was also featured on the front and back cover of the event's magazine for the first and fourth day.

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