SOUTHERN ATTRACTION | Mindanao’s diverse culture and natural attractions, like the Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur, are featured in the latest campaign of the Department of Tourism called “Colors of Mindanao.” —ERWIN M. MASCARIÑAS
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Tourism (DOT) has identified eight tourist circuits in the southern part of the country through the “Colors of Mindanao” campaign, which highlights the region as a key destination offering diverse cultures and landscapes.
The campaign, which covers Mindanao’s five regions—Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Caraga, Davao and Soccsksargen (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos—showcases new tourism products and destinations that Mindanao has to offer.
The DOT also came up with a colorful banner for the campaign, carrying the unique theme of every tourism aspect in the region.
One banner
Blue represents dive tourism, teal for sun and beach, green for ecotourism, brown for farm tourism, violet for culture and heritage, red for adventure and sports, orange for food tourism, and yellow for faith tourism.
“These were formulated by the five Mindanao regional [tourism] offices in a bid to foster unity in diversity, sustainability, inclusivity and a more progressive tourism not only in Mindanao but also in the country,” according to the DOT.
Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat noted that while each province is known for their unique attributes, “this is the first time that the whole of Mindanao is united under one banner.”
“What a colorful banner it is, with each hue representing a tourism product that is part of an inter or intraregional circuit,” Puyat said.
“It is high time that travelers and tourists think of Mindanao as a top destination in the Philippines. The island region is blessed with a multitude of beautiful destinations, historical sites and cultural wonders. The Colors of Mindanao campaign aims to attract different types of travelers to the region, from divers, eco-adventurers and beach bums, to history buffs, foodies, and the faithful,” she added.
Among these tourism destinations are the agri-tourism circuit of Cagayan de Oro City to Bukidnon province; farm resorts in Buda, Davao City; pilgrimages between Misamis Oriental and Misamis Occidental; and dive sites in Camiguin.
The campaign also highlights halal and Muslim-friendly tourism, one of the fastest-growing tourism sectors in the world, Puyat said.
“As one of the major new products of the DOT, halal tourism will bring special attention to the attractions and cuisine in Mindanao and help boost the tourism economy in the area,” she added.
In 2021, the DOT launched its Halal Food Tourism and its first halal-centric coffee table book titled, “Bismillah Before Eating,” to showcase the traditional and culinary offerings of the different regions in Mindanao.
Puyat said “Colors of Mindanao” was previewed at the recently concluded 21st World Travel and Tourism Council Global Summit in Manila when the DOT showcased wardrobes made of Tausug fabrics, beadwork from Bukidnon, Yakan weaves and other artisanal handicraft from Mindanao.
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