Tagum City tourism to focus on MICE

DAVAO CITY- Hosting several large events this year, Tagum City is focusing on MICE (Meetings Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions) events to attract its share of tourists.

Marlene Alastra, Tagum City Tourism Council chairperson said that starting this year Tagum City is bent on MICE with two very large events which will be held in the city.

The month of May will have Palarong Pamabansa, the largest gathering of student athletes from all over the country. Alastra said they are expecting  18,000 to 20,000 athletes, delegates and other visitors during the event.

This October the City will also be hosting the Boys Scout of the Philippines National Jamboree which is expected to equal or surpass the number of visitors coming to the Palaro.

Alastra said that Tagum City doesn’t have natural tourist spots like white sand beaches that could draw in tourists but she said having MICE events  is a way of drawing them in.

Tagum City also has local festivals such as the Musikahan, Araw ng Tagum, Santacruzan and the annual fiesta which draws in visitors.

Alastra said that the city has about 3,000 hotel rooms to accommodate visitors. There are about 15 main hotels in the city while the rest are hostels and inns.

As for the Palaro, Alastra said the city is preparing 18 schools which will be used as billeting quarters for the participants.  She said aside from Tagum several neighboring towns will also be hosting the accomodations of the athletes. (PIA/RG Alama)