MANILA – Harnessing the massive potential of Mindanao is “key” to help the Philippines accomplish its goal to be the next tourism powerhouse in Asia.
This is the belief of Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, as she joined local government units (LGUs), local officials, stakeholders and participants during the Mindanao Tourism Expo (MTEx) from April 26-28, 2024 at the Atrium, Limketkai Center, Cagayan de Oro City.
According to Secretary Frasco, the expo is a flagship program of the current administration and it recognizes the “massive potential of Mindanao to help the Philippines accomplish the President’s vision of transformation as the next tourism powerhouse.”
“It is here (in Mindanao) where we find countless breathtaking landscapes, delectable and unique cuisines, the richness of culture, and, most of all, we find the essence of our nation's greatest asset—love, care, and an unparalleled hospitality by our brothers and sisters in Mindanao. Mindanao, without a doubt, stands as a beacon of national pride for the Philippines—a testament to the beauty and resilience of our country,” Secretary Frasco said.
Over 100 exhibitors joined the event, with product presentations participated in by all DOT Regional Offices, as well as a business-to-business (B2B) forum for travel and tourism players.
The expo also hosted post-tours across Northern Mindanao destinations such as Camiguin, CDO-Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental and Misamis Occidental from April 29 to May 1, 2024.
In his message, Governor Peter Unabia called on the public to experience the diversity of experiences and offerings in Mindanao.
"Together, we showcase the richness of our landscapes, the warmth of our hospitality, and the warmth of our heritage beyond the misconceptions of Mindanao. Together, hand in hand, we can build a place where peace and order prevail, where every visitor can thrive in harmony,” Governor Unabia said.
“Mindanao is more than just what meets the eye; it is truly a treasure trove of natural wonders. Beyond its breathtaking sceneries, it is the people of Mindanao who truly make it a destination like no other. Our hospitality, our adaptability to change, and the culture are the heart and the soul of this island," the Governor added.
Meanwhile, Mayor Rolando “Klarex” Uy expressed his gratitude to the DOT for choosing Cagayan de Oro as the venue of the second MTEx.
"I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Secretary Frasco and the entire Department of Tourism family for bringing this prestigious event to our city, allowing us to shine a spotlight on the rich tapestry of sights, sounds, and flavors that make Mindanao a must-visit destination," Mayor Uy said.
"The City of Golden Friendship will continue to strengthen its goal of positioning herself as the MICE center, and preferred and priority city destination in this part of the country for organizers and participants of [Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Events]," the Mayor enthused.
DOT support for Mindanao
In line with the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023-2028 of the Marcos administration, Secretary Frasco shared that the full opening, promotion and development of Mindanao is top of her list of priorities upon her assumption as the Tourism chief.
“While we continue to promote our award-winning and well-known destinations, we ensure that no one is left behind in the development of tourism in the Philippines, which is precisely why we have mounted the Mindanao Tourism Expo–to provide opportunities for our destinations in this region and, as well, to open the eyes of the Philippines to the beauty of Mindanao,” Frasco said.
Frasco added that the DOT has embarked on enhancing the overall tourist experience, as identified by President Marcos as urgent, launching Tourist Rest Areas (TRAs) across the Philippines, with two from the initial batch of TRAs constructed in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon and Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) in Davao del Norte, while constructing more in other provinces in Mindanao within the year.
The DOT also launched the Tourism Champions Challenge (TCC) which seeks to incentivize tourism projects of local government units (LGUs) that are sustainable, inclusive, and resilient, including five (5) winners from Mindanao.
The Department also launched its nationwide cultural tourism product development program called the Philippine Experience Program (PEP), which intends to herald all there is to love about the Philippines in all aspects of the travel and tourism experience, seeing successful runs in Davao Region last year, and Zamboanga Peninsula earlier this year, inviting tourism stakeholders, travel and tour operators, media and members of the Diplomatic Corps.
Frasco also mentioned the growing attention for the Philippines from tourists across the globe after the country's recent breaching of the two-million visitor arrival mark in the first three months of 2024.
“The world has continued to love the Philippines. We have just breached the two million mark in international arrivals, and if the success in Philippine tourism from 2023 is any indication, there is much reason to be hopeful and optimistic for the future of tourism all over the country,” Secretary Frasco concluded.
