Surigao del Norte 1st District Rep. Francisco Jose Matugas has lauded the inclusion of Siargao Island in the ongoing 30th Edition of the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. ‘The inclusion of Siargao Island in the Arabian Travel Market is a boost to our efforts to rise from the effects of the pandemic and the recent calamities that hit the island and the province of Surigao del Norte,’ the lawmaker said in a statement Wednesday. Matugas, vice chair of the House of Representatives Committee on Tourism, is among the delegates of the Philippine government to the May 1-4 travel market tourism activity. The Department of Tourism has set up a booth at the travel market to exhibit the tourist destinations and attractions in the country, including Siargao. ‘This is a great pride for the people of Siargao Island and Surigao del Norte. The Arabian Travel Market is among the biggest travel exhibits in the Middle East,’ Matugas said. Major international events have reopened on Siargao Island, including the surfing and game fishing competitions, after being stalled by the pandemic in 2020. In October last year, the 26th Siargao International Surfing Competition was revived in General Luna town, while the 13th Siargao International Game Fishing Tournament in Pilar municipality also set off last month. Organizers of the Arabian Travel Market said the event features tourism destinations and attractions from around the world to showcase their brands. The biggest names in accommodation and hospitality, and the innovative travel technology providers and airlines are also featured during the duration of the event.

Source: Philippines News Agency