BUTUAN CITY – The 2024 Tourism Stakeholders' Summit of the Department of Tourism-Caraga kicks off on Friday, February 16, at the Pavilion Watergate Hotel here with Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco as guest of honor and speaker.
DUMADAG (DOT-13)
More than 300 tourism stakeholders, congressmen, governors, mayors, and legislators from the five provinces and six cities in the Caraga region are expected to attend the event with the theme “Love Caraga, Love the Philippines: Charting the Path Towards Becoming a Tourism Powerhouse in Asia.”
Department of Tourism (DOT)-13 Regional Director Ivonnie B. Dumadag said the summit aims to strengthen mutual cooperation between the DOT, the local government units (LGUs), and private stakeholders by sharing best practices and discussions on relevant issues and challenges related to the tourism industry in the region.
“The activity is anchored on building the region’s roadmap towards positioning the Philippines as a tourism powerhouse in Asia and shall likewise bring together key players in the tourism industry to share best practices and discuss relevant issues and challenges relating to the tourism industry of Caraga region,” Dumadag said.
“Caraga region is recognized in the country and globally, primarily because of Siargao Island, and we capitalize on that strength for us to be able to introduce our lesser known, but just as world-class, destinations.”
Dumadag thanked Frasco for gracing the summit.
“The Secretary’s presence in this summit is a demonstration of her commitment to promote inclusive tourism, that no one will be left behind, and is a source of inspiration for all our local tourism champions, to give no less than their 101 percent support as we journey on to advancing our tourism industry,” Dumadag added.
DOT-13 Senior Tourism Operations Officer Kylee Doreene Q. Plaza said the summit will feature an exhibit showcasing Caraga's wide-array of tourism products.
Plaza said the event will also pay tribute to their supporters through “Pasidungog,” the Bisaya term for tribute or awards, an incentive-inspired program recognizing the vital contributions and continuous support of local government units and private stakeholders, individuals, and groups in the Caraga.
“It aims to exemplify the outstanding performance and best practices of local government units in addressing development concerns confronting the local tourism industry.”