MINDANAO NOW READY TO WELCOME MORE TOURISTS – DOT

TOURISM Secretary Christina Frasco expressed belief that Mindanao is now ready to welcome more tourists from across the globe.

Frasco said the Philippines has been promoting tourism-ready areas in Mindanao in a strategic approach, in close coordination with relevant security offices .

“Mindanao is ready for tourism, Mindanao is ready to welcome the world to its beautiful lands, its wonderful shores, and to share the bounty that is so abundant here,” she said on Thursday.

The DOT Secretary is in Bukidnon to promote the various destinations and experiences Northern Mindanao has to offer under the newly-launched NorthMin Philippine Experience Program (PEP): Culture, Heritage and Arts Caravan.

During the three-day event, the DOT will showcase the rich heritage of Cagayan de Oro as a melting pot of cultures in the region, down to good food and modern-day thrills at the Dahilayan Adventure Park in Manolo Fortich.

“Ako mismo, I feel it. I’ve been here several times at napaka-safe ng Mindanao and Northern Mindanao is really ready na talaga para sa ating mga turista. Most importantly, napakabait ng mga tao dito,” Frasco said.

“Iniimbitahan ko po ang ating mga kababayan, bisita na po tayo sa Northern Mindanao,” she added.

Malaysian Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Mohd Fareed Zakaria participated in the new PEP.

Zakaria said his first visit to Mindanao “exceeded his expectations.”

“I think people have to come here to know that Mindanao is totally safe. Maybe there are some areas or pockets of areas that you may have to exercise some caution but generally, I think Mindanao has such welcoming tourist attractions,” he said.

“So, I think you should dispel the beliefs that Mindanao is not a safe place,”  he added.

The diplomat, who tried the famed Razorback Mountain Coaster at Dahilayan, said he enjoyed the ride and thought Malaysians and other foreigners would like it, too.

Meanwhile, Honorary Consul of Austria Peter Faistauer said he had always enjoyed visiting Northern Mindanao for its good climate, food, and people.