Israeli envoy: Improving rural tourism sector will draw Israelis to Mindanao

By Cheneen R. Capon
Improving the rural tourism sector of Mindanao will draw more Israeli tourists, Israel Ambassador to the Philippines Effie Ben Matityau said yesterday.
In a press conference at the Marco Polo Davao, Matityau said the Mindanao has a potential for rural tourism because of its potential trekking sites and rich culture
“Rural tourism is a great, great segment in the rural economy. It’s a missed opportunity. Our world is defined young people who are more adventurous and looking for opportunities to send selfies from all corners of the world,” Matityau said.
Matityaoi said that there are about 175,000 Israeli tourists traveling to Thailand every year to visit beach resorts, only 7,000 went to the Philippines last year.
However, this is 30 percent higher compared than 2013.
“There is an upward trend in this sector and we believe that Israeli visitors in the Philippines will spike to 10,000 this year,” he added.
Matityao said most of the Israelis went to Palawan and Boracay which are known for its beautiful shorelines, among others.
To draw Israelis here, he noted that villages and “subsistent” communities here just need to improve infrastructures like accommodations that can cater to Israeli backpackers who are mostly travelling kilometers by foot.
“For instance, you must have villages along the road that can provide accommodation for three to four dollars. It’s not a big money, but for a rural community it’s a big help,” he added.
He said that the influx of tourists in subsistent communities will fuel an economy needed for progress and inclusive growth as well as for alleviation of poverty because these tourists can spend as much as $10 to $20 up to more than $100 daily
Matityau noted that communities can start businesses by selling handicrafts and souvenirs to travelling tourists in the area.
He said these tourists will continue to draw other tourists around the world because of its posted photos and experience in the community on their social networking accounts.
Aside from infrastructure development, he said the country needs to promote and to market its tourist destinations and develop trekking areas where backpackers would like to include on their lists of tourist destinations.
One of the areas in Davao City that is being proposed to be developed for rural tourism are the villages along Bukidnon-Davao road, the Department of Tourism (DOT 11) regional director Roberto Alabado III said.
The City Government of Davao in partnership with the private sector, communities and partnered DOT11 for the drafting of a development plan in the area which aims to create homestay programs and develop the site for tourism purposes. CRC