ISULAN, Sultan Kudarat — The Department of Tourism regional office in Soccsksargen concluded the 4th Mindanao Tourism Expo on Sunday, ending a four-day event aimed at positioning the island as a unified, world-class destination.
Co-hosted by the Sultan Kudarat provincial government, the expo ran from Oct. 2 to 4 at the Sultan Kudarat Provincial Gymnasium Grounds under the theme "One Mindanao, Endless Wonders."
The event brought together tourism officials, local government units, micro, small, and medium enterprises, and industry stakeholders from Mindanao's six tourism regions, as well as representatives from Luzon and the Visayas.
"MTEX is expected to provide opportunities for tourism businesses to connect and create travel packages that link different parts of Mindanao," DOT XII Regional Director Nelia Arina said, noting that the event strengthens regional tourism circuits.
Key events included a three-day travel and trade exhibit featuring local goods, tour packages, and regional products. On Oct. 2, organizers staged "Weaves of Mindanao," a cultural fashion presentation highlighting indigenous textiles like Tnalak and Inaul woven into contemporary designs.
Business-to-Business matching sessions held Oct. 3 at Carlito's Hotel connected Mindanao tourism sellers with buyers from Luzon and the Visayas. Officials said the meetings aimed to secure nationwide partnerships and boost inter-island travel.
Opening ceremonies were led by DOT Undersecretary Maria Victoria Jasmin, Sultan Kudarat Gov. Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu, and Arina. Delegates completed the expo on Sunday with a cross-learning tour of key tourism destinations across Soccsksargen.
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