Asia-Pacific destinations join Visayas Mindanao Travel & Leisure Fair

The Visayas Mindanao Travel and Leisure Fair, as in the past, was a huge success. One of the most awaited tourism events of the year, it was held once again at the SM City Trade Hall.

Over a hundred exhibitors – all members of the world’s biggest industry – joined the well-organized exhibition. They included the different sectors of travel trade, such as airlines, shipping lines, car rentals, hotels and resorts, tour operators and travel agencies, restaurants, and other tourism-related stakeholders.

Foreign neighboring countries, namely Hong Kong, Macao, and Singapore, and far away nations, headed by Australia and Qatar, had their own popular booths that highlighted their attractive destinations, giving the visitors more than enough reason to book a holiday.

Guests of honor were Cebu Provincial Governor Gwen Garcia, Cebu City first lady Margot Osmeña, Tourism Secretary Phineas Alburo and DOT region VII director Dawnie Roa. Spearheading the organizing committee was the sterling team of travel experts – please, take a bow – Alice Queblatin of Southwinds Travel, who is currently president of the Cebu Association of Tour Operators, together with Cecil Sa-a of Blue Horizon, president of the Cebu Travel and Tours Association, and Marget Villarica of Destination Specialist, chairperson of the affair.

* * *

Kristine Geronimo, sales executive, and Claire del Rosario Bernabe, assistant director of sales, of Marco Polo Hotel, Mindanao’s first and only international deluxe hotel, launched the property’s soon-to-be-the-talk-of-the-town weekend getaway package during a cocktail reception at the Marriott Hotel. The value-for-money package, pegged at the all-inclusive rate of P3,000, is for an overnight stay, single or double occupancy, with a buffet breakfast, plus an array of discounts on private facilities and services.

Of interest to shoppers, the hotel is located at the heart of the city’s bustling commercial center, the Aldevinco, which is famous for its antiques, exotic fabrics, and trinkets reminiscent of Davao’s rich indigenous culture.

The Marco Polo has 245 elegantly designed rooms and suites built in 18 levels all with breathtaking views of Mt. Apo or the Gulf of Davao.