2ND IRONMAN SEEN TO BOOST ECONOMY

Davao City was also ranked second worldwide as one of the best destinations for the Ironman competition

Davao City Mayor Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio hopes the city’s second year hosting of the Ironman 70.3 would further boost the economy in the coming years.

Duterte-Carpio, who was present during the awarding ceremony at the Azuela Cove yesterday, March 24, hopes an increase in tourist arrivals in the city as it successfully pulled off one of the biggest international sports events.

“With the tourists spending their money here, we hope that it would increase and strengthen our economy,” she said in an ambush interview.

In her speech, she thanked the Dabawenyos for their undying support in all activities of the city government.

The mayor also thanked the security forces, including the police and coast guards, in ensuring the safety of the athletes and the visitors.

She also thanked the local government unit of Carmen, Panabo and Tagum cities, for their assistance, wherein the outside events were held.

Duterte-Carpio was also grateful with the 2018 survey conducted by Ironman organizers, wherein Davao City ranked second as one of the best destinations for the competition worldwide.

“We are truly grateful to the triathletes and their supporters and families for their trust and confidence in voting Davao City as one of the best places to conduct the Ironman,” she said.

Meanwhile, Duterte-Carpio said that they are already planning for next year’s event.

“Based on the feedback we got from our partner, Sunrise Events, this is a better competition than last year. It is difficult for us to level up next year,” she said.

“We will know more areas to improve during post event assessment and meeting, and we will list down all the things to be improved in 2020,” she added.

Among the best

City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) head Generose Tecson revealed that based on the same survey, the city ranked number one for the best post grace lunch organizer.

“For the post grace lunch, marami nagsasabi na they’ve been to many competitions sa Ironman. Pero dito lang sila naka-experience na madaming pagkain,” Tecson said during the Ironman competition at the Azuela Cove.

She also said that they also made changes with the food that were prepared.

“With regards to the food, binase namin sa preferenfe nila, which is less meat and more veggies and fishes,” Tecson said.

Overall, Tecson said that the second Ironman competition garnered positive feedbacks overall.

She said that Davao City has a three-year contract to organize the Ironman race, which started back in 2018.

Tecson, however, said that it will still be discussed whether the city would still be conducting it next year.

“But with how things went, we already made a landmark that we’re very able to hold international events, both conventions and sports events,” she said.

We are truly grateful to the triathletes and their supporters and families for their trust and confidence in voting Davao City as one of the best places to conduct the Ironman. SARA Z. DUTERTECARPIO Davao City Mayor