Mindanao to recover prepandemic interest via pioneering tourism expo

DAVAO City—mindanao will attempt to recoup interest of tourists and travelers through the first Mindanao Tourism

Exposition (MTE), with Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-frasco assuring her department’s full support.

“That is why I am here, the entire officialdom of the Department of Tourism [DOT], and all… directors of the 16 regions in the country to support this first-ever Mindanao Tourism Expo,” she stated at the opening of the event inside the SMX Convention Center here on Friday.

DOT XI director Tanya Rabat-tan said Mindanao tourism and local government leaders will “look forward to showcase our sites in our exposition and exhibits, exchange knowledge in our business-to-business meetings and learning sessions, and network with our partners from various sectors and allied industries.”

“Ultimately,” Rabat-tan remarked, “our goal is in support of the national government’s reopening of the economy postpandemic,” she stated, then shared that “the event has adapted the theme: ‘Sustaining the Colors of Mindanao,’ to attract interest.”

“[We also hope that through the MTE], we will be able to recoup gains that the tourism industry has achieved prepandemic, to ensure simultaneous and safe reopening along the value chain, engage our stakeholders through our various activities, and continue to bolster domestic tourism by promoting Mindanao as a safe and fun destination,” the regional director added.

The 60 booths for the exposition were fully occupied not only by the product brands of stakeholders from airlines, hotels and resorts, but also from the regional tourism offices from Luzon, which Frasco disclosed she has ordered to participate. They include the National Capital Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Southwestern Tagalog, Bicol, and those from the Visayas.

She said all regional directors from the north and central Philippines would be hosted by the regional directors from Southern Philippines for a familiarization tour “of the gems and offerings you have here to be spread to the rest of the country, where the directors will incite interest to travel to Mindanao.”

Frasco said the DOT has also readied the tripartite memorandum of agreement with the departments of National Defense as well as the Interior and Local Government “to ensure that the very foundation of reopening Mindanao to tourism is hinged on peace and order.”

“On behalf of DOT XI, I would like to personally express my sincerest gratitude to our partners and collaborators,” Rabat-tan said. “The MTE wouldn’t be possible without their generosity and support.”

“We all know that Mindanao is home to a wide range of attractions: from stunning beaches, waterfalls and lush forests, to our vibrant cultures, friendly communities and rich history. We also have a diverse assortment of accommodations: from world-class hotels and resorts, to charming, locally managed inns and homestays,” she illustrated. “With the first MTE, we…endeavor to give these…gems the appreciation and recognition they truly deserve.”