By Lilian C. Mellejor
DAVAO CITY, April 7 (PNA) – The second Visit Davao Fun Sale (VDFS) drew interest of local and international tourists with already 1,700 confirmed hotel bookings and about 200 visits of the Davao City Lifebit App, a digital access to discounts ad freebies offered by participating establishments.
The VDFS is a six-week, seven weekends tourism sale campaign organized jointly by the Department of Tourism (DoT) 11, city government of Davao, Office of Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre and the private tourism stakeholders of Davao City.
Under the VDFS, discounts and special promos are offered by 12 malls and shopping centers, 140 restaurants grouped into 12 clusters, and members of the Davao Wellness and Spa Association.
VDFS vice president of the Tours Consortium, Edmund Mayormita said that since April 3 they are already receiving guests for hotel rooms offered with discounts and packages. Mayormita expected more bookings during the run of the fun sale period which runs until May 17.
Benjie Lizada said there were already 140 participating restaurants offering discounts on selected foods. He further urged Dabawenyos to support the campaign and secure the VDFS “passport” to avail of the discounts and packages.
Dabawenyos or visitors can also use the mobile app which contains about 250 discounts coupons from around 200 participating restaurants and entertainment centers, as well as spa and wellness establishments across the city.
Eric Su, Twidle Line chief executive, said the VDFS mobile app is available for download for Android and iOS users starting April 3.
Su reported that downloads of the application already reached 200 since its launch at Google Store on April 3.
The mobile app offers user-friendly features where users can easily sign up with their facebook account. After the initial download and sign up of users, the application may be used online or offline. Discounts and promos from participating establishments are grouped according to area for easy reference of users.
Su said that instead of printing the “passport”, there is more fun on using the mobile app. He said users will gain points for every redeemed coupon for a chance to win roundtrip airline tickets. Users will also know the total points they have redeemed and their point standing compared to other users.
For non-smart phone users, the printed copy of the passport may be used to enjoy the discounts and promos from the participating establishments. These passports may be claimed for free at the information booths located at participating malls, airport and partner hotels.
Both the mobile app and the VDFS passport may be used for access to VDFS events like the DurianMan triathlon on May 2, and electronic dance parties – Visit Davao Fun Sale Heat Wave Summer End Parties and Party at the Peak on May 16. (PNA)