The Mindanao Tourism Council (MTC) and Davao Council of Travel and Tours and Allied Agencies (DCTTAA) have agreed to sell Mindanao as one to local and global tourists through its brainchild project dubbed “Byahe Ta Mindanao”.

MTC and DCTTAA consisting of various tour operators kicked off ‘Biyahe Ta Mindanao” last Oct. 2-4 with a familiarization tour together with members of the media to Northern Mindanao particularly in Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro, Oroquieta, Ozamis and Dapitan.

The group had its first stop in Seagull Valley in Budda, Bukidnon with its overwhelming scenery and freezing weather and proceeded to Gloria’s Fantasyland, the so-called Disneyland of the Philippines, Dakak Beach Resort, Rivercruise Dining in Dampa Marine Park and the historical place of Jose Rizal’s exile in Dapitan City.

The group on its way back to Davao explored Cagayan de Oro and visited some of its tourist sites such as the Gardens of Malasag, Museum of Three Tribes and Makahambus Cave.

Speaking at a press conference while on Rivercruise Dining in Dampa sa Dapitan Marine Park Saturday, MTC president Araceli Ayuste said partnership with media, travel and tour operators and tourism investors with the assistance of government is key to creating a comprehensive package to sell Mindanao’s key destinations to potential travelers.

Through partnership, it would be easier to come up with tour packages and solve problems that serve as hindrances to tourists in visiting preferred destinations, she said.

MTC chair Dindo Ilagan, also vice president of Gloria’s Fantasyland owned by former Zamboanga del Norte Congressman Romeo Jalosjos, said MTC will focus on looking into infrastructure problems since it is the priority of the travelers.

He said the concept of “Biyahe Ta Mindanao” is for Mindanaons to first explore the potential tourism hubs in their own island and later become as first hand promoters of the island’s tourism destinations to the rest of the country and the world.

“Tayo muna magbiyahe sa Mindanao to see for ourselves how peaceful it is, and the other countries will follow,” he said.

DCTTAA president Chato Aranda, for her part, said they are partnering with MTC to help and support Mindanao tourism projects to boost Mindanao’s tourism industry.

She said the organization is coming up with a tour package designed for local and foreign travelers in visiting Gloria’s Fantasyland, Dakak Beach Resort, Rivercruise Dining, and Rizal Shrine.

She also said an overnight stay of the tourists at the Gardens of Malasag and Museum of Three Tribes will be included in the package.

She said tour operators are also eyeing to offer affordable tour packages for students who are on education field trips and leisure trips.

Aranda said the cooperation and support of travel and tour operators are vital to pump prime Mindanao’s key destinations.

The second leg of “Byahe Ta Mindanao” will be a road trip to General Santos City and Siargao Island, the surfing hub of the Philippines, and other key destinations in this part of Mindanao and parts of Southern and Western Mindanao on the third leg.

On its second phase “Byahe Ta Mindanao” will be traveling to various parts of the country to strengthen partnerships with tourism sectors at the national level and later to other countries purposely to sell Mindanao.

Ayuste said that “Byahe Ta Mindanao” is purely a private sector-led project, although it is also getting some assistance from the government tourism sector.

Get Philippine Travel News on your inbox - Join Lakbay Pilipinas Mailing List