DAVAO CITY - The Department of Tourism in the Davao Region (DOT-11) has certified Davao de Oro province as an important tourism destination area (TDA) in the area, the provincial government said Tuesday. The DOT-11 recognition dated August 31 said the province will now be included in the National and Regional Tourism Development Plan, the "The Colors of Mindanao" campaign, and the Tourism Promotion Board in its promotional activities. The provincial government said Davao de Oro is also recognized for its contribution to the regional tourists' receipts, stay, and arrivals, supported by the data from the tourism office that the province revamped from the effects of the pandemic. Davao de Oro is a beneficiary of several tourism projects, such as TIEZA (Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority) buildings and TRIPPC (Tourism Road Infrastructure Project Prioritization Criteria) for the development of its human capital and tourism. Christine Dompor, provincial senior tourism officer, noted that over three million tourists have visited from January 2020 to June this year wherein the province's highlands, coastal, and wellness loops have proven their significance to the overall impact of tourism returns in the country. "The province's tourism wellness loops have offered more than what meets the eye," she said. This month, Dompor said the provincial tourism office will lead the Tourism Month Celebration in the province, highlighting activities that will benefit entrepreneurs and filmmakers and capacitate its tourism workers. She said their office will also offer "Capitour! Laag Treats" for the provincial government employees visiting the tourism loops. Ongoing repairs and enhancement of tourism sites have generated additional revenues and led to the establishment of cooperatives consisting of farmers, fisherfolk, mountain and boat guides, and caterers, Dompor said. (PNA) }