DAVAO CITY – Hundreds of participants from local and foreign travel sector converged at the SMX Convention Center here to attend the opening ceremony of the Philippine MICE or Meetings, Incentive Travel, Conventions, Exhibitions/Events Conference (MICECON).

They also witnessed the signing into law by President Aquino of the bill rationalizing the taxes paid by international carriers in the country.

The law is considered a welcome feat for the travel and tourism sector of the country after the International Civil Aviation Authority (ICAO) had lifted the significant safety concerns, which have constrained the expansion of the airline industry in the Philippines.

It is also a reaffirmation of President Aquino’s commitment to the development of the tourism industry, and in making tourism truly more fun for airline investment.

The signing is also seen to significantly boost the attainment of the tourism industry’s target of 10 million international visitors by 2016.

On other hand, the MICE Conference here will run from March 6 to 9, and is expected to draw more visitors to this city