A bigger Visit Samal Island 2012

DAVAO CITY April 19 (PIA)-  A bigger Visit Samal Island (VSI) program will be held this year with  multi-sectoral partners linking up for the event.This according to Cleto Gales IGaCoS City administrator, who  bared that the city is only allocating a minimal budget of P250,000 despite it being much larger than last year.

Gales cited the partnership of the different sectors particularly the private businesses in pushing for the VSI 2012 which links up the LGU, the Department of Tourism Region XI and the private sector tourism stakeholders- the Samal City Resort Owners Association.The VSI campaign which used to be a month-long event is now extended up to three months, lasting till July.  The event is marked by cultural presentations, sporting events, beach parties, concerts and other forms of merriment.

The Visit Samal 2012, banners the tagline “where life is fun.” is the second staging of the unique marketing strategy started last year which aimed at increasing tourism arrivals  and putting Samal on the map as the destination of choice for domestic and local tourists.According to Gregorio Boy Sarmiento the private sector representative in the VSI executive committee, they have created many first-time events which would draw in more tourists.

Among these included Davao Gulf Line Fishing contest, Miss Body Beautiful pageant and a Level III shooting competition. Also from May 4-6, the island will play host to an environment, arts and music festival dubbed as the Pigkayasan Festival under the initiative of the 2nd district congressional office under Representative Anton Ladgameo.

The VSI 2012 will formally open this April 21, with grand motorcade around Samal Island and a silent drill conducted by the visiting cadets of the Philippine Military Academy.Jennifer Cariaga, tourism officer of the city said that they are hoping to build on the success of last year’s VSI. “According to DOT data there was 64% increase in tourism traffic compared to the same period last year.” Cariaga said citing the positive effect of last year’s campaign.

We are targeting a 100% increase in tourism arrivals.” Cariaga added hoping that a much bigger VSI would bring in more tourists to Samal. (PIA 11/RG Alama)