DOT-13 PUSHES FOR RESILIENT TOURISM IN NEW TOURISM CAMPAIGN

In time with the relaunching of the tourism sector in Caraga, the Department of Tourism (DOT)-Caraga is pushing for a more resilient local tourism through the principle of “build back better”.

“What this basically means is that for a certain amount estimated in damages, we double what we pour in to relaunch our sector,” said Tourism Operations Officer Junesther Jean Valdez during the Kapihan with PIA on Thursday, February 24.

The Department recently launched its new tagline “Caraga Na” to promote domestic tourism under the new normal. “Caraga Na” is a neologism of the word “gana”, which translates to appetizing or appealing in the local dialect. Key tourism players such as the local government units, regional line agencies, and other organizations have converged for the campaign.

Through “Caraga Na”, DOTCaraga is offering regional intra-circuit packages under the new normal, where travelers will experience a tourism adventure of their liking across the region.

Valdez said that they will be exploring other tourism products that have proven to be a hit during the COVID-19 pandemic and highlight these circuits under the campaign.

“The concept we have in mind here is to provide our tourists the best of our outdoor activities,” Valdez added. Valdez said that they have also explored other tourism products that have proven to be a hit during the COVID-19 pandemic which they will be offering under the campaign.

The Department is eyeing at least 10% increase in tourist influx in the region through its new domestic tourism campaign.

Prior to this initiative, DOTCaraga launched various programs at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic to assist tourism-related establishments (TREs) and workers alike in their immediate recovery.

Through its recovery and resiliency campaign, the Department was able to launch various donation drives with the help of individuals from the private sector. DOT-Caraga also hosted a virtual benefit concert “Paghuyaw” on January 29, 2022 at Robinsons Place Butuan.

Capacity-building was likewise addressed through its TISP Tabang program, wherein TREs and workers were provided with restarter kits. (DMNR/PIA-Caraga)