Foreign Tour operators and buyers from different parts of the world are looking at Davao's potential as a tourist destination in the Philippines.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), hosted the Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX) 2016, the country’s largest and most important annual travel trade event. It was participated by 220 international buyers from 40 countries and 220 local sellers from 145 companies doing business-to-business sessions on tourism, travel and trade opportunities and post tour events from September 6-10,2016.
A group of 16 buyers are currently in the city as part of the post event tours of PHITEX. These buyers are looking at promoting Davao in their countries as a destination to visit in the Philippines. They will experience Davao region's beach holiday, adventure, culture,nature, food and the various tourist facilities within the city and in Samal and Tagum cities.
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DOT Mindanao OIC Eden David presents Davao tourist offerings to the buyers and local media guests. |
“Majority of the participants are from Indonesia and their interest is to push for a direct Manado-Davao flight so we can bring in divers, golfers and middle aged Indonesian tourists from Jakarta to do a twin destination of Manado-Davao,” DOT Mindanao OIC Eden David mentioned.
“We are inviting Davao to do a roadshow in Jakarta to promote this twin destination as Indonesians now love to travel. They want to experience something new and interesting like Davao,” according to Mr. Ophan Lamara, President of the Association of the Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies whose members number to over two thousand.
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Association of the Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies President Ophan Lamara speaking before the local media on Davao-Manado twin destination for Jakarta toursits, |
In a related development, the BIMP-EAGA Joint Tourism Development meeting last August 26, 2016 in Balikpapan, Indonesia, pushed for the increased connectivity amongst member countries. Specifically highlighted are Davao-Manado; Sandakan-Zamboanga and possible triangular route Puerto Princesa-Cebu-Kuala Lumpur.
DOT Secretary Teo herself pushed for Davao to be part of the PHITEX post tour activities as business is usual for Davao tourism.