Davao City government will embark on tourism roadshows in other destination capitals as promotional events to complement the efforts of the airline companies to offer direct flights to Davao.
This was revealed Monday by Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre, the chair of the Davao City Council’s Committee on Tourism and International Relations, saying the city has been asking for direct flights to Davao but it also sees the need to hold promotional activities to draw tourists to the city from other top destinations.
Alejandre cited the cities of Subic, Bohol, Dumaguete, and Tacloban that are usually frequented by foreign tourists. The roadshows, Alejandre said, will involve the city tourism office, travel and tour operators, and the Department of Tourism (DoT).
“This is a collaborative effort of the tour operators, city government, and even media,” he said.
Alejandre pointed out that this will be good time to promote the city with the increasing interest in Davao particularly because of President Rodrigo Duterte.
According to Alejandre, direct flights to Davao from Bohol, Bacolod, Puerto Princesa, Kalibo, Dumaguete, and Subic are currently being eyed by the three leading airlines, Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Air Asia.
Alejandre also cited direct flights abroad. AirAsia will start flying from Davao to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. AirAsia is also eyeing Davao as its hub in the Philippines. (Lilian C. Mellejor/PNA With edits)