ATF 2006 hosting in Davao will build confidence in Mindanao: Philippines

Ruby Gonzalez

HONG KONG – The Philippines’ decision to choose Davao as the host of the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2006 in January would be good for the image of Mindanao as a whole.

Tourism undersecretary Oscar Palabyab said that in choosing Davao, the government is showing confidence that all is well and running in the southern Philippine city. This confidence, in turn, will create confidence among delegates.

Davao, the largest city in the island of Mindanao, is located 1,545 km south of Manila. On top of having an international airport, it has all the logistics needed to support major events such as convention centres, accessibility and a good number of hotels.

Though peace and order situation in Mindanao has steadily improved over the years, it still has an image problem.

“ATF 2006 will build up confidence not only in Davao but in the entire Mindanao area,” he said.

The Philippines has accepted the transfer of hosting the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2006 from Myanmar. The Philippines was supposed to host ATF in 2007. Palabyab does not see any problems in hosting it a year ahead, with only five months to spare.

Palabyab said the Philippines is now awaiting for the formal approval from all ten the member countries of ASEAN. To date, only Brunei has given its approval but Palabyab is expecting the rest to follow within a short time.

Along with this, the Department of Tourism is also waiting for paperwork to be released by Malacanang, the country’s seat of power, before tourism secretary Ace Durano makes the final announcement.

During ATF 2005, that was held in Langkawi, Durano said ATF 2007 would be held in Clark Field, located about 90 kilometres north of Manila.

Palabyab said Davao submitted “a very good bid.”

Breaking News, 11 August