MEDIA RELEASE

April 2011

Visit Samal 2011 Campaign Launched

The Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS) in Davao, together with the
Department of Tourism (DOT) Region XI, and the private sector-led Samal
Island Tourism Council launched recently the Visit Samal 2011 campaign at
the Holiday Ocean View Resort.

The local government, led by Mayor Aniano Antalan, has declared the
months of March, April and May as Visit Samal Island months. The main
objective of this is to increase visitors to the island during summer. Through
a “Visit Samal Island Passport,” visitors may enjoy value-added promotions
for the duration of the season from 28 resorts that are participating.

DOT Region XI Director Art Boncato, Jr. said, “the Samal Island passport will
be made available to visitors arriving in our major ports. It captures our
aspirations for tourists to genuinely enjoy the beauty of the island.” It will be
given for free at the Davao International Airport, Davao malls, Manila and
Cebu airport info counters and tour operators.

Undersecretary Maria Victoria V. Jasmin, who graced the event on behalf of

the DOT, was quick to conclude that Samal Island may sooner or later enjoy
the fame of being a successful ecotourism destination. “It takes more than
having good places of interest and activities to offer. A destination’s
sustainability must have the right support environment which includes
having a strategic plan, stable public private partnerships, well-maintained
infrastructure and good leadership,” she said.

Among the many natural wonders in the island, famous are the Coral Garden
dive site, the Hagimit Falls, and Monfort Bat Cave, which holds the world
record for the highest concentration of fruit bats at 2.5 million in one cave.
+++
Contact:

EVELYN A. MACAYAYONG
Office of Tourism Information
525-18-05

DOT Press Release – April 2011

Above: Dancers celebrate the launch of Visit Samal 2011 Campaign at
Ocean View Resort. Below: Tourism Undersecretary Ma. Victoria Jasmin,
together with Regional Director Art Boncato and other Samal Tourism
stakeholders pose with the Miss Tourism Samal candidates right after the
program & launch of the campaign. PHOTOS BY: Daryll Descallar

DOT Press Release – April 2011

DOT Press Release – April 2011
 The photo above is the cover of the Visit Samal Island
Passport, which will be made available at no cost to
tourists visiting the Island Garden City of Samal.

DOT Press Release – April 2011