The Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS) takes part once again on the 4th season of Visit Davao Fun Sale (VSDF).
This year, the region’s biggest tourism event celebrates its #rocksummer campaign with focus geared towards Davao Region’s eco-tourism destinations.
On May 7, 2017, the island will host the Bonamine Samal Marathon, Visit Samal Sand Sculpting Competition, Bigiw Regatta Competition, Madayaw Hugyaw Sayaw, and Mindanao Dive Photo Seafari and Competition events which will run up to May 7.
Samal will also take part as one of the venues of the Durian Man Triathlon on April 23.
During the Kapehan sa Dabaw media forum on Monday at SM City Davao, VSDF Execom chairperson Benjamin A. Lizada pointed out that one of Davao City’s biggest pulls in tourism is its proximity to the beaches.
“Everyone raves about our clean pristine waters in Samal and Dahican. It’s about time we highlight its beauty and recognize its contribution to Davao tourism by celebrating Samal and Dahican with these fun and unique events,” he added.
Jennifer Cariaga, Tourism and Investment Officer of Samal expressed her gratitude and excitement on the region’s devotion to highlight the island as one of the best places in the region to spend their summers on.
“The sport events and competition are truly huge crowd-bringers, and we can’t wait to showcase our city especially to first-time visitors,” she said.
To kick off, a memorandum of agreement was inked between Lizada and Cariaga and among event heads Jeremy James Sarona, Race Chair of BPI Cards Durianman Cross Channel Triathlon, Tom Tan of Davao Sunday Runners Athletic Club, and Fred Medino of Davao Reef Divers Club.
Visit Davao Fun Sale will run from April 16 to May 31, 2017 featuring offerings in airfare, accommodations, tours, dining, shopping, beauty and wellness, as well as sporting events, arts and nightlife.
The Visit Davao Fun Sale is organized by the Davao Fun Sale Execom in partnership with the Department of Tourism and co presented by the City Government of Davao, AirAsia, Bonamine, BPI Cards, Cebu Pacific and Tanduay.
In a previous media briefing, Department of Tourism Region XI Director Roberto P. Alabado III said a 10 percent increase in tourist arrivals is projected from last year’s 172,000 arrivals in April and 165,866 in May. A 4 percent increase was recorded last year in the same periods despite the election spending.
