Philippines Department of Tourism highlights Mindanao and Palawan in East Asia travel exchange

The pristine beaches, natural wonders and colourful culture of Mindanao and Palawan take center stage as the Department of Tourism (DOT) joins the 3rd travel exchange of the Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines – East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA Travex).

This year’s conference is scheduled from November 1 to 4 at the Permata Exhibition Center in Kuching Sarawak, Malaysia. Lead organizers are The Sarawak Tourism Federation and the Malaysian Ministry of Urban Development and Tourism.

In a statement, Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano said, “Our participation is in keeping with our commitment to cooperate in activities that will promote economic growth in East Asia and foster goodwill among our neighbors.”

Durano explained that the event is part of the BIMP-EAGA’s thrust to jointly promote Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines as a single, exciting destination to the global travel market.

Director Sohura T. Dimaampao, DOT Region 12 Sub-National Coordinator for BIMP-EAGA Affairs, will lead a 79-man delegation comprised of representatives from DOT Team Asia Pacific, the local governments of Mindanao and Palawan, performers, chefs, fashion designers and tour operators.

The Philippine pavilion will feature the varied nature, adventure, diving, golf, leisure and cultural attractions of Mindanao and Palawan. A sampling of Philippine delicacies will also be served to exhibit guests.

The Hinugyaw Cultural Dance Troupe of Koronadal City and the Bislig City Government Employees Singing Society will offer visitors with a sampling of Philippine music and dance as they perform on the special Philippine Day set on November 2.

The Hinugyaw Cultural Dance Troupe is one of Koronadal City’s leading and most-travelled performing groups. Meanwhile, the all-male Bislig City Government Employees Singing Society is one of the cultural highlights of Surigao del Sur.

Top Filipino fashion designer Renee Salud will join other artists from Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia and Malaysia at a fashion show to be staged at Crowne Plaza Riverpark Hotel. Salud will present the unique and intricate cloth weaving heritage of our islands with a contemporary twist.

A regional food fest will be set up at the same venue, and two chefs from the Marco Polo Davao will prepare a savory and sweet spread featuring the different flavours and cooking traditions of Philippine cuisine.

Enterprises in the tourism industry, such as tour operators, resorts and hotels, golf and leisure clubs, convention and events organizers, airlines and cruise lines from East Asia are set to attend the BIMP-EAGA Travex.

The DOT expects to strengthen its relations between its counterparts from the other countries, help establish business linkages among the private sector participants, as well as exchange information on the latest developments in tourism at the end of the four-day meet.

“This is a venue for us to learn from the experiences of other countries, share what we know and ultimately identify new opportunities that will bring in business into the region,” Durano added.

The Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines – East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) is a sub-regional group of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) formed in 1994 to help develop the economic well-being of the member countries through various tourism and trade exchanges and programs.

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