The Department of Tourism (DOT) is partnering with international travel booking platform Klook to enhance tourism offerings in the Caraga region and other areas.
Ivonnie B. Dumadag, Regional Director of DOT-Caraga, said a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing with Klook is scheduled soon. The partnership is a national initiative that includes Caraga region.
“Klook’s presence at our Philippine Experience Program (PEP) launch in Caraga provided a platform for collaboration with our local tour operators, guides, accommodations, and restaurants,” Dumadag said. “Together, we aim to create packages that will showcase Butuan City, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte, Bayugan City, Prosperidad, and Agusan del Sur.”
Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Hong Kong, Klook is a leading travel and experiences platform that allows users to discover and book attractions, tours, and local activities worldwide.
The DOT recently launched the Philippine Experience Program: Culture, Heritage, and Arts Caravan in the Caraga region, a three-day event from October 28-30 aimed at highlighting the area’s cultural heritage and natural landscapes.
The event featured the provinces of Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur, along with the cities of Butuan, Cabadbaran, and Bayugan.
The program, a flagship initiative under Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, is designed to promote local culture and traditions to both domestic and international visitors.
Activities included a welcome reception hosted by the Butuan City government, featuring storytelling of the city’s history and cultural performances. Delegates participated in historical tours at local museums such as the National Museum of the Philippines in Butuan and the Butuan Archaeological Park.
Participants also enjoyed a river cruise along the Agusan River and visited the Balangay boat-building site. In Cabadbaran City, they explored historical landmarks like the Puting Bato viewing deck and visited the Bega Falls Eco-Tourism Park in Prosperidad.
The partnership with Klook is expected to leverage the platform’s technological capabilities and global customer base to attract more tourists to the Caraga region. By integrating local tour operators and services into Klook’s platform, the DOT aims to provide seamless travel planning for visitors.
Klook’s involvement aligns with the DOT’s efforts to modernize tourism promotion and make booking experiences more accessible. The initiative supports the DOT’s mission to diversify tourism offerings beyond traditional hotspots, positioning regions like Caraga as emerging destinations rich in culture and natural beauty.
CebuLifestyleChannel.ph