KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato (PIA) --  SOCCSKSARGEN Region’s primary travel and trade expo will be returning to Manila for the 5th time in June, after a three-year hiatus due to the coronavirus disease pandemic. 

On Tuesday, the Department of Tourism (DOT) XII convened representatives of national government agencies, local government units, and other stakeholders to discuss the plans for the Treasures of SOX: A Travel and Trade Expo Year 5.

According to DOT XII, the Treasures of SOX Year 5 will be held at the Midtown Atrium of Robinson's Place in Ermita, Manila from June 23 to 25.

Treasures of SOX showcases the riches the SOCCSKSARGEN Region offers to visitors; these wealth include its destinations, adventures, culture, food, fresh and processed products, arts and crafts and services.

The event intends to attract more tourists to Region 12, which straddles the provinces of South Cotabato, Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat, and Cotabato Provice and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, and Kidapawan.

“This [Treasures of SOX Expo] has been a successful program and uniquely ours. I think it's only SOCCSKSARGEN that brings our region to Metro Manila,"  DOT XII Regional Director Nelia Arina said.

Main attractions are the exhibits of tourism destinations, products, and services by tour operators; micro, small and medium enterrpises, local government units and other stakeholders.

The three-day event is also an opportunity to match local tourism operators and businesses with counterparts and investors in Metro Manila and neighboring areas.

It will also feature the Tnalak and Inaul creations of fashion designer Ivan Raborar and performances by Koronadal City's Hinugyaw Cultural Dance Troupe.

In 2018, Treasures of SOX generated a total of P24.98 million in trade sales and bookings and  travel reservations. From the Treasures of SOX Year 5, the region earned  P31.2 milliion in sales, bookings, and reservations. (PIA SOCCSKSARGEN)