THE Department of Tourism is pushing for drafting of A Mindanao Tourism Agenda that will set policy directions to further boost the industry, touted as a major economic driver fir the island in the next six years.
"For Mindanao, we will put forward a Mindanao Tourism Agenda. We will do this in consultation with you. We will strengthen the Bimp-Eaga especially our participation in this growth corridor. In fact, I am putting up a DOT Office of the secretary here in Davao, the home of our President," Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo said, in a meeting with industry stakeholders in Mindanao over the weekend in Davao City.
Teo has been touching base with tourism players all over the country as part of the series of consultations with the private sector.
Sharing the tourism direction for the next six years, Teo has stressed that she and her team will visit various regions to listen to the stakeholders.
"Whatever direction we pursue will not be as successful unless we listen to what our stakeholders have to say, factor in their inputs so that the plans will not just be DOT’s plan– it will be our collective plan," she said.
Emphasizing on stable, resilient, sustainable, transformative, inclusive and shared tourism,
Teo said she wants a brand of tourism that is "by the people through the contribution of the many enterprises engaged in the business and in service of tourism; of the people because it conserves and promotes our heritage, national identity and sense of unity; and most importantly, for the Filipino people because what we do contributes meaningfully to their livelihood and their long-term aspirations – a better life for themselves, their families, their communities and our country."
Teo also said the accreditation system is being reviewed to encourage more tourism players to improve their quality of services.
Acknowledging the great potential of the Mice market, especially for Mice Mindanao, DOT will take a second look into this sector to see what could be done to ensure that the country will get more share of the events and conferences especially in 2017 where the Asean will celebrate its 50th year. “ I want Mindanao to take advantage of this event and play host to some of the meetings and events,” Secretary Teo added.