Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco led the opening of the first Mindanao Tourism Expo (MTE) on Friday at SM Lanang Premier’s SMX Convention Center in Davao City.
MTE 2023 is a project of the Department of Tourism 11 in partnership with the Davao Visitors Destination Hub, Inc, DOT Mindanao Regional Offices, DOT – Office of Product and Market Development, DOT – Office of the Undersecretary for Tourism Regulation Coordination and Resource Generation.
The three-day event will showcase sites in the exposition and exhibits, exchange knowledge through business-to-business meetings and learning sessions, and network with partners from various sectors and allied industries.
“When I was installed as DOT secretary, one of the first remarks I made as plans for Philippine tourism is we need to reopen Mindanao to tourism. We are joined by our officials both from the public and private sectors, the entire officials of tourism whom upon my insistence have to be here if only to emphasize the seriousness, which we would like to reopen Mindanao to tourism,” Frasco said in her message.
She said with events like Mindanao Tourism Expo, highlight the regions of Mindanao and tells the world how beautiful the regions are, how diverse that culture is, and how ready it is to receive tourists from the Philippines and all over the world.
“Mindanao is vital and essential in terms of tourism development because it is a hidden gem,” she said in an interview.
Initiated by the Department of Tourism 11 (DOT 11) under director Tanya Rabat-Tan, the activity, which is participated by over 200 participants, aims to support the national government’s reopening of the economy post-pandemic.
Tan said the Mindanao Tourism Expo is part of the program of Tourism Regulation, Coordination, and Resource Generation in support of Frasco’s direction to restart tourism by upholding our stakeholders following the mandate of the DOT.
“With everything all set and in place, we are now ready to present Davao and the rest of Mindanao as a destination primed to bounce back and welcome again our tourists, new partnerships, and brighter opportunities,” Tan said in her message.
Carrying the theme “Sustaining the Colors of Mindanao”, Tan said it is also DOT’s hope that through the Mindanao Tourism Expo, it will be able to recoup the gains that the tourism industry has achieved pre-pandemic, to ensure simultaneous and safe reopening along the value chain, engage our stakeholders through our various activities, and continue to bolster domestic tourism by promoting Mindanao as a safe and fun destination.
“The time has finally come for Mindanao destinations to be back to the fore. For years, the ever-passionate stakeholders of Mindanao’s tourism industry have painstakingly worked hard not just to bring out the best in their respective regions but also to persuade visitors to go and visit them,” she said.
Tan also cited that Mindanao is home to a wide range of attractions, from stunning beaches and waterfalls, and lush forests to our vibrant cultures, friendly communities, and rich history. We also have a diverse assortment of accommodations, from world-class hotels and resorts to charming, locally managed inns and homestays.
“Today, with the first Mindanao Tourism Expo, we will endeavor to give these Mindanao gems the appreciation and recognition they truly deserve,” she said.
