The Department of Tourism (DOT) Davao Region, in partnership with DOT Western Visayas, recently completed the Davao-Caticlan Travel Exchange. This two-day program aims to strengthen direct travel between Davao and Caticlan via Cebu Pacific. It’s an important step toward making travel easier and boosting tourism between Mindanao and Western Visayas.
Here’s a quick look at the highlights of the trip.
Discovering the Motag Living Museum
Instead of going straight to Boracay, we started our journey at the Motag Living Museum in mainland Malay. This interactive museum brings visitors back to a time when the area was known for its peaceful farming communities. It features a traditional bahay kubo, weaving tools, a rice farm, and other elements that showcase the simple lifestyle of early settlers.
Checking Out Top Accommodations
To help Davao-based travel partners recommend the best stays to their clients, the program included a detailed ocular inspection of several top resorts and hotels. The group visited:
- Paradise Garden Resort and Convention Center
- Crimson Resort and Spa Boracay
- Mövenpick Resort and Spa Boracay
- Belmont Hotel Boracay
- Savoy Hotel Boracay
- The newly opened Chancellor Hotel
These visits showed the wide range of world-class accommodations available on the island, offering both luxury and comfort for all types of travelers.
Exploring Boracay Newcoast
Boracay continues to evolve, and the Newcoast area highlights the island’s more sustainable side. The group explored scenic spots like the Boracay Keyhole, a striking natural rock formation, and the peaceful Marhaba Beach Boracay. This part of the island offers beautiful views and a quieter escape from the main beachfront.
Strengthening Partnerships Through B2B Networking
One of the key goals of the travel exchange was to build stronger industry connections. DOT 6 hosted a B2B Networking Session that brought together tourism stakeholders from Davao and Boracay. The session opened doors for new partnerships, meaningful discussions, and future collaborations to better support travelers using the direct flight route. The shared passion for improving the Philippine tourism experience was evident throughout the event.
Experiencing Boracay’s Famous White Beach
Of course, no visit to Boracay is complete without a stop at the White Beach. Known for its powdery white sand and crystal-clear water, it remains one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and continues to attract visitors from around the globe.
The Quintessential Boracay activity: Sunset Parawsailing
The group wrapped up the journey with a classic Boracay activity: Sunset Parawsailing. Floating quietly over turquoise waters while the sky turned shades of orange created a picture-perfect ending to the trip.
A Memorable Finale at Paradise Garden Resort
The exchange concluded with a dinner hosted by the local government of Malay at Paradise Garden Resort. The event was graced by Malay Mayor Frolibar S. Bautista, who shared the latest updates about Boracay and the municipality’s direction for tourism development. It was a warm and meaningful gathering that wrapped up the program on a high note.
The Davao-Caticlan Travel Exchange was a meaningful and successful initiative, laying the groundwork for stronger partnerships and more tourism growth. With this direct flight now available, travelers can easily enjoy the rich culture of Davao and the incredible beauty of Boracay.
