Tourism stakeholders within the BIMP-EAGA region are actively exploring the development of cruise tourism to harness the area's immense potential. The initiative gained significant traction during the recent ministerial meetings, with officials highlighting the strategic advantage of the subregion's archipelagic nature.
Unlocking Maritime Potential
During the 28th BIMP-EAGA Ministerial Meeting on November 14, held at the Discovery Samal Resort in the Island Garden City of Samal, regional directors and ministers convened to discuss economic growth strategies. Tanya Rabat Tan, the Regional Director of the Department of Tourism for Davao Region, was a key participant, gathering insights and recommendations from various ministers specifically focused on cruise tourism.
Tan emphasized the subregion's natural assets, stating that the potential for cruise tourism is enormous due to the numerous islands surrounded by sea. She confirmed that this would be a primary suggestion during upcoming cluster meetings, with the DOT cluster set to deliberate on development strategies, particularly for areas near the Indonesian border close to Davao.
Showcasing Samal and Ensuring Safety
The choice of venue for the ministerial meeting itself served as a powerful tourism promotion. Hosting the event at the scenic Discovery Samal Resort in the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) put a spotlight on one of Davao Region's prime tourist destinations.
Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib highlighted this benefit, noting that the international exposure showcases the province's beauty, from its famous white sand beaches to its pristine dive sites. Beyond the scenery, the event also demonstrated that the Davao Region is a safe and viable destination for both tourists and investors, a critical factor for the success of future cruise tourism.
A Path Forward for Regional Connectivity
The discussions mark a significant step towards formalizing cruise tourism as a priority. Director Tan is tasked with communicating the outcomes of the BIMP-EAGA ministerial discussions to the Department of Tourism, with the hope that it will lead to the prioritization and development of not just cruise tourism, but also enhanced connectivity throughout the BIMP-EAGA subregion. This coordinated effort aims to transform the group of neighboring islands into a premier maritime travel hub.
