Shopping + beaches + mountains = Davao
By Maya M. Padillo
DAVAO CITY — A number of tour packages in the Davao Region covering April 3 to May 1 will be offered at discounted rates under the Department of Tourism-Region 11’s (DoT-11) flagship program, Visit Davao Fun Sale (VDFS).
An offshoot of the Big Davao Fun Sale introduced in 2014, which mainly promoted Davao City as a shopping destination, the VDFS has been expanded to include other parts of the region for more nature-oriented trips.
“We’re going to expand our coverage and not just concentrate here in Davao City but also reach areas like Sta. Cruz (in) Davao del Sur to promote Mt. Apo, (and) Samal Island in Davao del Norte for a beach holiday,” said DoT Regional Director Roberto P. Alabado III.
Like the first VDFS last year, almost all tourism-related businesses are participating in the summer program, including travel and tour agencies which organize the packages; hotels and resorts; restaurants and other entertainment establishments; shopping malls; M.I.C.E (meeting, incentives, conferences, events) Organizers Ventures Davao; the spa and wellness association; and property development companies.
In addition to the “Fun Tours” within Davao City — which include such activities as visits to nature and adventure resorts and a jeepney-and-walking tour — a trip to Samal Island’s attractions is now an option.
“Previously, Samal (was included) for island hopping only. Now we developed two more tours including inland attractions in Samal,” Mr. Alabado said.
The DoT-11 is still working out possible activities at the foot of Mt. Apo, the country’s highest peak, as well as a package for a climb, should the weather permit.
Late last year, local officials in those areas which served as take-off points to Mt. Apo said that summer climbs would likely have to be limited to a few hikers due to the limited natural water supply up the mountain caused by El Niño, which has also increased the risk of bush fires.
The DoT is optimistic that there will be more tourists this summer, as it started promoting VDFS 2016 as early as August last year, and in December held a photo exhibit dubbed Summer in December at the lobby of Park Inn By Radisson Davao.
The exhibit, done in partnership with M Magazine and Fujifilm, featured 27 images of adventure and beach holiday destinations within the Davao Region, which is composed of Davao City and the provinces of Compostela Valley, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, and the newly formed province of Davao Occidental.
Mr. Alabado earlier said the VDFS is essentially aimed at making the region a destination of choice during the country’s summer months.
“(I)n the next three to five years, when people think of summer, they will be thinking of Davao.”
