AN EXECUTIVE order creating the Davao Tourism Council was signed by Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio last April 25.
The council will be headed by the city mayor or in her absence, the officer-in-charge of the Tourism Operations Office (CTOO), as the chairman, and the chairperson of City Council committee on tourism and beautification.
The members will include the City Legal Office, City Planning and Development Office, Public Safety and Security Command Center, Department of Tourism in Davao Region head, Association of Barangay Captains head, Representatives of Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc., Davao Tourism Association, Davao Travel Agencies Association, Davao Association of Tourism Operators, Hotels and Resorts Sales and Marketing Association, Small hotels Association of Davao, Guide Davao, Restaurant Owners Association of the Davao City, Davao Wellness and Spa Association, National Association of Independent Travel Agencies, Tourism Education Association of Davao City and many others.
The council will ensure the preparation and implementation of a tourism development plan, the enforcement of standards, collection of statistical date for tourism purposes and monitor the enforcement of the tourism laws and regulations, such as, but not limited to, the Tourism Development Code of Davao City.
The council shall encourage active participation of all tourism sectors or players, including those who are unorganized, in a manner that encourages sustainable tourism development.
Duterte-Carpio also gave the council the right to form ad hoc committees to attend to special concerns which may be related to a particular mater or a tourism related activity.
The CTOO shall ensure and provide for all the clerical, secretarial, and administrative work, related to the functions of the council, the EO said.
The funding of the council shall be taken from the available funds of the City Government of Davao subject to the usual accounting and auditing rules and regulations. (KVC)