South Cotabato holds tourism meet

KORONADAL -- The provincial government’s Arts, Culture, Tourism and Sports Promotions Office gathered here Thursday around 300 representatives from various groups for a two-day Tourism Summit.
  Ceasar S. Sulit, promotions office chief, said the effort, dubbed "South Cotabato Making a Difference in Tourism," aimed to set a common direction for sustainability.

Representatives from lodging and service providers, including media and community representatives, were scheduled to share their thoughts on the industry, Mr. Sulit said. The two-day tourism summit would also highlight competitions on culinary and audio-visual media productions.

"We have the potential to stand out from among the popular tourism destinations in Mindanao and we want (to harness) that. But first we want to hear from the stakeholders before moving further," Mr.Sulit said.

South Cotabato has become popular among visitors lately for the seven water falls in the scenic upland town of Lake Sebu. The province’s three lakes -- Sebu, Seloton and Lahit -- and the zip lines have become tourist magnets for thousands of visitors every month.

The zip line area alone has lured 11,000 local and foreign visitors for the first 10 months of 2012. It earned P3.5 million in revenue during the period, 6% more compared to last year. "We are positive we can breach the P4-million mark before the end of the year," Mr. Sulit said.

Lake Sebu is currently the pilot area for the flagship community-based eco-tourism development project under the Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines-East ASEAN Growth Area. The four-year project, which started this year, aims to develop the town’s assets with the help of the local communities.

Aside from its tourist spots, the province also boasts of pristine forests and mountains that are good for hiking in T’boli, tarsier sanctuary as well as fruit and vegetable farms in Tupi, and many more. -- Louie O. Pacardo

Sourced: bworldonline