“The kind of impact it will give in terms of our image and the branding of Davao as convention destination will go a long, long way,” Boncato said. “However, it’s not sealed yet,” he added.
By MARILOU AGUIRRE-TUBURAN
Davao Today
DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Tourism officials have expressed confidence that the city can host the next Philippine Advertising Congress.
Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Director Art Boncato Jr. said the city has the “facilities, hotels and most importantly the community that will welcome the participants” during Wednesday’s Club 888.
“We (also) have the full support of the whole Department (of Tourism),” Boncato said adding that Secretary Mon Jimenez himself “has really gone out of his way to endorse Davao City as the next site.”
The Philippine Advertising Congress is an annual assembly of delegates like Chief Executive Officers, advertisers, business entrepreneurs and personalities from the country’s various industries. It gives delegates the opportunity to share notes, promote their own products and services, listen to talks and find potential clients and networks.
Boncato also revealed the positive response of the AdBoard that was in the city several weeks ago for an inspection. “They immediately reported to the Secretary (Jimenez) how pleased they were about their inspection,” he said.
Even if it will only gather 3,000 or 4,000 people, the Congress is “very important,” according to Boncato.
“The kind of impact it will give in terms of our image and the branding of Davao as convention destination will go a long, long way,” he said. “However, it’s not sealed yet,” he added.
On Monday, December 17, Boncato said Davao, together with other interested destinations like Subic and Cebu, will have their final presentation on estimations bidding to the AdBoard meeting. (Marilou Aguirre-Tuburan/davaotoday.com)
