The “Luring Iloilo to the 12th Paradise” of the Department of Tourism (DOT) 12 in collaboration with LGUs, NGAs and other tourism stakeholders in the region has successfully conducted its selling mission from March 21 to 23 at SM City, Iloilo City.
DOT 12 Regional Director Nelly Nita Dillera disclosed that tour operators in this city have shown interest in the cultural and eco-tourism adventures in Lake Sebu and T’boli, pare-gliding adventure and Gumasa beach in Sarangani, mountain climbing/ trekking in Mt. Apo in North Cotabato, and other attractions and places of interest in the region.
“A certain Mr. Jose Diaz have even ordered a 20-footer van of Arabica coffee beans for delivery which is estimated to be worth P 3 million,” RD Dillera revealed, referring to the result of the business-matching session made a day earlier at Diversion 21 Hotel, Iloilo City.
The 3-day selling mission featured destination and product selling booths with different themes, such as Immerse in Paradise, Dance in Paradise, Savor in Paradise, Create in Paradise, Wear in Paradise, Delight in Paradise, Shower in Paradise, Dip in Paradise, Explore in Paradise, Float in Paradise and Marvel in Paradise.
The province presented during the designated South Cotabato – General Santos City Day on March 22 a T’nalak haute couture fashion gala featuring the original creations of internationally renowned fashion designer Ivan Raborar of Koronadal City.
Likewise, Hinugyaw Cultural Dance Troupe of Korondal City performed T’boli dance numbers as part of the show, with Marina Sudaw, an authentic t’nalak weaver from the province.
A day after the selling mission, the delegates went to Bacolod City and were treated to a Farm Tour by the City Tourism Office, in which they visited the Negros Museum, the city’s New Government Center, Merci “piaya” factory and the ruins in Talisay City.
Participants in the business-matching session there also said that tour operators have shown interest in the different eco-adventures and places of attractions in the region.
DOT Region 6 led by Regional Director Atty. Helen Catalbas was also a partner of DOT12 together with Cebu Pacific and SM City Iloilo.
DOT Assistant Secretary for Mindanao Arturo Boncato was the Guest of Honor and Speaker during the opening ceremony.
