SOCCSKSARGEN Region or SOX for short, comprising the cities of Cotabato, Kidapawan, Tacurong, Koronadal and General Santos and the provinces of North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani, won the Best Booth award (Region Category) during the Philippine Travel Mart (PTM) 2017 held from September 1 -3 at SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia, Pasay City.
Department of Tourism (DOT) 12 Regional Director Nelly Nita Dillera who is the head of delegation said shortly after the announcement that the region’s “strength is in the collective effort” of the participating LGUs.
“You could see how the LGUs exerted their effort during the PTM by showcasing their “best”; our cultural dancers did not only performed well but with pride to show their rich cultural heritage,” RD Dillera added.
Dillera likewise divulged that she plans to sell tour packages next year and together with it is to capacitate tourism officers on how to sell tour packages and doing front-line services, among others, aside from the usual promotion of destinations and products.
The 29th PTM is slated on September 14 -16 next year as announced by Cesar Cruz, concurrent PTM Director-General after the awarding ceremonies.
Other winners in the Best Booth contest are as follows: Corporate (Champion) – Movenpick .Hotel Resort & Spa Boracay; Cities &Municipalities (hampion) – Tacloban City; Province (Champion) – Palawan.
The Peoole’s Choice Award went to DOT 5 Gayon Bicol.
PTM 2017, with its theme “50 Shades of Fun”, was participated by tour operators, hotels and resorts, LGUs, corporate sponsors, media and other stakeholders nation-wide.