ISTAMBAY SA MINDANAO

After the launching of the four arches to the city’s Chinatown weeks ago, and the call of Councilor Pete Laviña for the opening of a consular office of the Chinese embassy, here’s more.
Talks are underway for the opening of hartered flights between this city and the bustling Chinese city of Shanghai, Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano told MindaNews Thursday.Durano said China-based airline China Southern has eyed opening the new
route this year in addition to doubling the number of its Shanghai–Cebu
flights. While in Davao, Durano visited the Philippine Eagle Center in Calinan
district, and vowed to fund a P5-million rehabilitation project of its
visitors’ lounge to attract more tourists.

He told MindaNews he was also in town to discuss with the governors of the
four provinces surrounding the Mt. Apo Range Natural Park, which is also
being promoted as an eco-tourism destination.

The tourism official opened the Second Mindanao Travel and Tour Expo at the
SM City Davao Entertainment Plaza on Aug. 10.

The expo is part of the city’s annual celebration of the renowned Kadayawan
Festival.

He told reporters covering the event that DOT will bank on the gains of the
Asean Tourism Forum in 2005, where Davao City was launched as among the key
players of the industry in the world owing to its being an international
tourism destination.

Durano said the talks for the new air connection with the Chinese city are
part of the continuing efforts to promote Davao. (To be updated)