Business as usual in Davao- DOT

DAVAO CITY- Save for the cancellation of a visiting group of South Korean tourists, tourism industry is still normal in the aftermath of the bloody Mamasapano clash.

“We are not affected, if there is, it’s just minimal.” Says Department of Tourism Region- XI director Robert Alabado III.

“We already know that Mindanao has a negative or shaky perception among many people but we also know that many also had a favorable perception of Davao as a peaceful place.

Alabado said the office has not monitored huge cancellations of tourists following the deadly clashes in Mamasapano town in Maguidanao Province which left 44 elite policemen dead.

Lisette Marques, OIC of the Davao City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) said that they have not monitored any cancellations of MICE (Meetings Incentives, Conventions and Exhibits) events or the reduction of participants in the events.

The only cancellation was a group of about 70 South Korean students who were expected to visit the city in the same week the violence in Maguindanao happened.

Marques estimated the loss of the tour group cancellation to about P1-million. However she said that so far no one has followed suit.

“We just have to highlight the positive aspects here in Davao City, like our favorable peace and order situation.” Marques said.

Marques admits that it is difficult as a marketing strategy to isolate Davao from Mindanao but she says their plan is to uphold the fact that Davao is far from the epicenter of the clashes and is not part of it.

Meanwhile Alabado said that among the strategy of DOT-XI is holding events to attract more visitors one of which is the Visit Davao Fun Sale 2015, which will run from April 3 to May 15.

Visit Davao Fun Sale will offer shopping ,  dining, entertainment and events extravaganza to residents and visitors alike. The program is participated by various retail and tourism industry players, local government and top tourism officials in the region. (PIA/RG Alama).