In a press conference yesterday, CCCI Tourism Committee chairperson Mila Espina said all the channel sectors in tourism must be tapped in order to raise the bar in promoting Cebu as a tourism destination.
According to Espina, all those present in the Congress, such as representatives from tourism-related organizations will be automatically included in the Coalition's partial members' list, as resolution will then be submitted to seriously create a solid tourism sector group in Cebu.
The academe, hospitals, tour guides, vendors, drivers, rank and file employees of tourism related organizations, among others will be included in the composure of the "planned" umbrella organization for tourism, Espina said.
There are a lot of sectors in the tourism industry that also need help and assistance. Espina stressed the importance to create a tourism support organization, so that international funding and assistance could easily come in.
Next week's Tourism Congress set on June 22, 2006 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casinos, will also tackle the showcasing of "investment-wanna-be's" in Cebu, that would support the full development of Cebu as a world-class tourism destination.
Department of Tourism (DOT-7) regional director Patria Aurora Roa for her part said setting the infrastructure and inviting more investors to support the tourism development in Cebu is also an immediate need that the private sector must also consider.
Roa had been advocating for the immediate solution to Cebu's problem on room shortage. She said unless there will be additional rooms to be built in Cebu, the attractiveness of Cebu as a destination will be affected.
The Congress is part of the CCCI-Cebu Business Month (CBM) InTourPreneur event, and will also highlight more on perspective in making Cebu the showcase for investments in education and call centers, film and entertainment, medical tourism, health and wellness, retirement villages, culinary arts, travel and airline industry, sports and convention.
Over 100 exhibitors are expected to showcase their products and services during the event.
Diplomats are also expected to attend as resource speakers, to give their impression and suggestion on Cebu's tourism potential. Officials from the European Union (EU), China, Japan, Canada, among other countries are expected to come, Espina said.
"The Tourism Congress goes back to the 'basics' on how to develop Cebu investment-friendly, through clean and beautiful environment, well-informed citizenry about our history and culture, honest and courteous vendors and drivers, competent tour guides, tourism friendly agencies, and peaceful surroundings," Espina said.