The Treasures of SOX Travel & Trade Expo (TTE) opened in Glorietta Activity Center, Makati City today, April 3, with around 30 exhibitors consisting of MSMEs from the region, corporate sponsors and partner LGUs and NGAs showcasing the best products and services that their respective agency or entity can offer to the public.
Department of Tourism (DOT) 12 Regional Director Nelly Nita Dillera led the opening program by highlighting the accomplishments of last year’s TTE which garnered sales of more than P20 million and expected a much high record for this year’s TTE. She also reported that tourism arrivals for 2016 increased by 19% compared to that of 2015.
Farm Tourism and Mo-“tourism” were likewise launched for this year’s TTE with Captain James Reamon, a retired airline pilot and President of Farm Tourism Association and Koronadal City Mayor Peter Miguel in attendance as major stakeholders.
Felicidad Orchard, a DOT-accredited farm tourism establishment located in Katangawan, General Santos City and owned by Reamon were inaugurated early this year.
Mayor Miguel meanwhile launched its mo-‘tourism” in preparation for the 23rd National Federation of Motorcycle Clubs National Convention from April 22 – 30 in koronadal City, in which according to Miguel will be attended by around 3,000 motorbikers all over the Philippines.
Included in the launching of Mo-“tourism” was the presentation of Tourism Pit Stop of Tacurong City, which showcased its Baras Bird Sanctuary for bikers to experience and enjoy before going to Koronadal City for the convention.
Big wigs of DOT led by USec Almarita Jimenez, ASec Frederick Alegre, ASec Daniel Mercado and NCR Regional Director Benjie Santiagre graced the opening.
ASec Alegre represented DOT Secretary Wanda Tulfo Teo as the Guest of Honor and Keynote Speaker during the opening ceremony.
Hinugyaw Cultural Dance Troupe of Koronadal City entertained the spectators with their cultural dance presentations and will continue until the culmination of the 5-day activity.
