DAVAO CITY – The municipal government of Governor Generoso and Mati City plan to collaborate and support each other in their tourism initiatives rather than engaging in competition.
Governor Generoso Mayor Juanito Inojales’ son, Juan Miguel Inojales, of the JMI Dive Operations, said tourism is part of the mayor’s six-point agenda to support local businesses, mainly resorts.
“We know that tourism can generate more careers. We are looking for areas that could be tourist attractions. We have 14 dive sites that resort owners can use now,” the younger Inojales said in a statement.
Inojales said the 14 diving locations are just in the municipal waters and they plan to include five more diving sites.
He added that the goal of tourism here is to establish their town as the foremost scuba diving destination in Davao Oriental.
Inojales cited that the reopening of the El Don Resort in their town after months of renovation would significantly enhance their tourism strategy.
The El Don Resort reopened on September 28 to target the market of scuba divers not just in the Davao Region but also in other parts of the country and internationally.
El Don Resort is located at the southeastern part of mainland Mindanao overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Inojales said they had identified a dive site just off the resort called “The Wall.” He added four other adjacent dive sites inthe area.
El Don Resort Chief Executive Officer Manuel “Jay R” Zamora Jr. said the primary drive behind such an effort is the abundant coral formations beneath the water near their resort.
“We positioned ourselves as a dive resort, offering scuba diving. We are thankful to the Governor Generoso government because this is also part of their agenda to promote tourism,” Zamora said.
Inojales said featuring a resort primarily targeted at scuba divers would significantly enhance their tourism industry.
Approximately 20 minutes from El Don Resort, people will find several beach resorts in Barangay Lanca within Mati City.
Recently, Barangay Lanca has become a magnet for tourists due to its striking white beaches that rival Boracay and Siargao. Visitors also passed by Governor Generoso going to Lanca.
Inojales said they intend to collaborate and work with the Mati City local government to jointly promote Governor Generoso and Barangay Lanca as a combined beach and dive destination.
Mati City Tourism officer Dashiel Indelible Jr. said it would benefit the two local government units (LGUs) to cooperate rather than compete.
Indelible added that they are developing collaborative tour packages encompassing Mati City and Governor Generoso.