NAITAS to hold 2nd Tourism and Trade Bazaar

DAVAO DEL NORTE, January 30 (PIA) - - The National Association of Independent Travel Agencies (NAITAS – Davao) will hold the 2nd Tourism and Trade Bazaar in Abreeza Mall, Davao City from February 20 to 22.

Dizon Namuag, NAITAS Davao president, said that in line with the Visit the Philippines campaign of the Department of Tourism (DOT), this year’s bazaar will still focus on promoting Davao region as an island to highland destination, showcasing the best of eco, agri and farm tourism sites as well as its pristine beaches.

Namuag revealed that they have partnered with Department of Agriculture (DOT) as DOT Sec. Ramon Jimenez, Jr. encouraged them to intensify the promotion of agri and farm tourism, including the organic farm destination and products.

“This year, we not only coordinated with the DOT and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), but we also collaborated with the DA on the development of their farm not only as a production area but as a tourism destination as well,” he said.

Namuag also disclosed that as the ASEAN Integration commence this year, the NAITAS is lucky enough to get Tourism Malaysia as one of the bazaar’s partners.

“Our partnership with Tourism Malaysia will surely boost the bazaar’s success as we also promote halal tourism in the region,” he said.

He also emphasized that the around 50 tourism related establishments will participate in this year’s bazaar, which comprised of airline companies, travel agencies and operators, hotels and resorts, farm operators and souvenir shops.

He said that like last year, the bazaar will also be highlighted with the search of Miss NAITAS Davao, whose winner will compete in the national competition in Manila. (PIA 11, Michael Uy)