Tourism celebration kicks off at The Veranza

By JOY R. SEVILLA

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (September 25, 2013) – The 12th Paradise, an event organized by the regional office of the Department of Tourism (DOT) in coordination with the Regional Tourism Council officially kicked off at The Veranza Wednesday (September 25).

Nelly Nita Dillera, tourism regional director, said the 12th Paradise packages the paradise-like destinations and products Region 12 has to offer.

“We call it 12th Paradise representing Region 12. We are establishing and promoting tourist destinations and products that would represent Region 12. Lahat ng mga lugar sa Region 12 may products and services na ipru-promote,” Dillera said in an interview.

The Tourism Week Celebration includes a Regional Tourism Summit, Tourism Travel Exhibit, Tourism Quiz Bee, Tour Packages, Cultural Presentations, and Tourism Congress. Participants are tourism key players both from the government and private sectors comprised of tourism entrepreneurs and investors, site and destination operators, accommodations, transport, tour operators, and travel agencies.

On the other hand, Dillera said that one of the highlights of the tourism celebration, particularly the Tourism Exhibit, is a good venue for tourism stakeholders to create partnership to achieve the common desire to develop the tourism industry in the region.

“For those who are engaged in the production of food products, this is a good venue to network with tourism establishments like hotels. Ang pinaka-measure dito ay kung ilan ang mabibenta nila at ilan ang kukuha ng produkto nila para ma-display din sa mga pasalubong shops ng mga hotel. Sa mga hotel and travel tours naman, kung ilan ang mabu-book nila,” she said.

Dillera said that aside from the private sector, national agencies like the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the DOT also participated in the fair to assist different local government units (LGUs).

She asserted that DENR could assist municipalities and provinces in terms of eco-tourism plan; the DTI could extend help with regards to investment proposals; DPWH could assess whether the LGU could avail of the Tour Road Infrastructure Program Criteria (TRIPC); and the DOT could help in the accreditation of establishments.

Twenty-nine exhibitors have showcased their products and services including travel and tour operators, tourism schools, different LGUs, and resorts and hotels not only located in Region 12 but also in Davao City. (Joy R. Sevilla/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)