THE CITY Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) will bring its programs to the grassroots to directly benefit the community from visitor revenues while promoting local destinations at the same time.
Newly installed CTOO acting head Willenito P. Tormis floated the idea in an interview with the city-run radio’s new episode “Turismo Dabawenyo.”
“We have so much to offer in Davao City, which is yet to be discovered. Once we build that community tourism, we can also provide people with livelihood, ” Tormis said, adding that they planned on offering new circuits and tourism tours.
The official is looking at creating a unit dedicated to developing community-based tourism and assisting with the Department of Tourism’s accreditation.
The unit will also empower the communities in receiving tourists, such as establishing a tourism center or lobby as a receiving area.
“We have a lot of areas which are yet to be developed, and at least to have a proper CR or tourism center or lobby which serves as a receiving area for the tourists,” Tormis said.
He added that he will be consulting with the people in the target communities for proper coordination.
CTOO is eyeing to develop a website to be launched before Duaw Davao in June. It will feature new tourism destinations in the city, including accommodations, tourism establishments, shops, resorts, and hotels, among others.
Along with the website, the office will also provide a list of accredited and reputable tourism guides through Guide Davao to prevent fake tour guides offering overinflated tours.
