Tourism office preparing ‘Dutertours’ in Davao City

DAVAO CITY—Are you interested to know more about the life of presumptive President-elect Rodrigo Duterte?

The Department of Tourism in Southern Mindanao has prepared what it dubbed as Duterte tour or Dutertour Package, which it will roll out very soon.

Roberto Alabado III, Southern Mindanao tourism director, said his office has thought of offering the package as they expected more tourists, aside from those who are seeking to personally meet Duterte, to visit the city in the coming days.

“We are expecting more tourist arrivals especially since the number one promoter of the city is the incoming president,” Alabado said.

“He has been saying in his campaign that Davao City is his Exhibit A,” Alabado added.

He said the tourist arrival figure could also dramatically increase with the plan by several international airline companies to fly to the city.

Alabado said local tourism officials are aware that many people are now curious about how life in Davao City is and also about the life of the incoming President.

“They would want to see how peaceful and clean it is. They would also like to see the rules and the discipline,” Alabado said.

As the tourism department expects an influx of tourists, Alabado said his office is now preparing to accommodate visitors who wish to learn more about Davao City and the life of Duterte.

“The tour package will educate people about what our incoming President has done (in the city),” said Alabado.

“It will tell his story and how he governed. A lot of people would like to learn more about him and Davao City,” Alabado said.

The tour package, which includes a visit to Duterte’s house, the city hall, museums and other sites, would be launched in July this year.

Visitors can also have an opportunity to visit other areas and enjoy what Davao has to offer, including its famed product, the durian.

Asked if the city can accommodate the expected influx of visitors, Alabado said “we have enough places that can easily accommodate guests.”

The city hosts a five-star hotel, two four-star hotels and several three-star hotels. There are also backpackers’ inns and budget inns, Alabado said. Karlos Manlupig, Inquirer Mindanao