Crisis prompts travel group to promote new sites in RP

CEBU, Philippines – Despite the apparent negative effects of the global economic crisis to the tourism market, tourism industry players in Cebu continue to find ways to counter the effects by intensifying marketing efforts as well as promoting new sites for both the local and international market to explore.

Blue Horizon Travel and Tours Inc. general manager Cecil Sa-a said that the negative news brought about by the crisis have encouraged them to be more persistent in coming up with new marketing initiatives.

 Sa-a, who formerly sits as the president of the Cebu Tours and Travel Association (CTTA), said that despite restrictions in their budget, they do not want to let the crisis dampen their efforts to look for new and better products to present to the travel market.

As a matter of fact, recently, they flew to Clark to experience first hand a new destination, which they are currently making a package.

She said that the country still have so many destinations that have not been explored yet and are still waiting to be developed for the tourism industry.

“The Philippines is full of many different sites that have huge potential to be tapped. Our goal now is to develop more new products that we can present to both the domestic and international markets,” said Sa-a.

She said that attracting more travel markets is the thrust of their upcoming 5th Vis-Min Travel and Lifestyle show this coming March 6 to March 8 at the SM Cebu Trade Hall.

Sa-a said that initially they now have over 100 exhibitors for the coming show, just almost the same number with last year’s participants.

She said that if there were several discounted travel packages offered last year, there will be more this year as most airline companies, hotels, resorts and even travel agents are coming up with special rates and packages suited for the market with shrinking consumer spending.

“It will be a consumer market event and everything from cheaper fares to tour packages abroad and domestically will be offered. At these times of crisis, we can’t just wait and sit down to mull over the situation but instead all the more reason for us to go out and look for better products to offer the market,” she said.

She added that taking into consideration the credit crunch that is felt by most consumers especially travel markets hit badly by recession, aggressive sales promotions is slowly becoming a trend in the industry.

“We usually have these kinds of promos last year but packages and rates were not as low as it is today. Airlines have seen the need to lower down their rates because most consumers now find traveling expensive as due to the credit crunch. These move are geared towards attracting more travelers foreign and domestic,” said Sa-a.

She advised that travelers especially local tourists who wish to save on their travel plans should plan their trips ahead to get good deals and check the internet for cheaper rates.

“Nowadays, those who have access to the net no longer require our services because every detail can be provided for them but for those who needs assistance still go to us. Right now the bookings for summer are still doing well. Last January we were good and this month is fairly well. It was unexpected because with the negative news we thought it will be a slowdown for us but at the moment it’s still good as if there is now crisis,” said Sa-a.

She added that tourism products that are still at its peak include packages for wellness and adventure tourism.

“We still continue to look forward to attracting more clients in spite of whatever negative news there is about the global economy. Its still business as usual for us,” said Sa-a.