Islands Banca puts franchise offer on hold

CEBU, Philippines - Despite overwhelming inquiries for franchise of Islands Banca Cruise (IBC) from other tourism destinations all over the country, the management has decided to put its focus first on establishing a stronger operation in Cebu.

IBC president and chief executive officer (CEO) Jay P. Aldeguer told The Freeman yesterday that the company has prepared several strengthening program in coordination with Local Government Units (LGUs) of the various islands in Cebu province.

Soon, he said IBC will be working closely with officials of the Olango Island to boost tourism attractiveness especially with its visitor-magnet product—the bird sanctuary.

Aldeguer, however refused to divulge the details of the project with the Olango LGU, saying the program will be formally launched next month, to open up an exciting Island Hopping programs for Cebu, pushing the province to become the Island Hopping Destination in the Philippines.

“Islands Banca Franchise is not being prioritized yet. There are a number of inquiries but nothing definite,” Aldeguer said.

He said brand itself has gained interest from capitalists all over the country, including those in Palawan, Boracay, Bohol, among others.

Although, it is tempting for the company to operate its own Banca Cruise services in these areas, Aldeguer said franchising strategy is seen to be more effective in its expanding bid.

Currently, the company has set up its own franchising department, to pursue this opportunity for fast expansion and built a nationwide brand for Islands Banca Cruises.

The company, has pioneered in professionalizing the services offered by the traditional Island hopping activity, which as been there since history.

Part of its innovation, is to offer deluxe services to island hoppers, providing comfort on board a traditional “banca”.

But, because Cebu has slowly gained its name as the Island Hopping Destination in the Philippines, the company decided to offer value-added services in coordination with different LGUs within the Cebu province Islands.

Last year, the company infused fresh capitalization of P3 million to boost Cebu’s positioning as the Island hopping destination in the Philippines.

The additional investments infused last year, was to improve the operations of the island hopping cruise activity in Cebu, which include; acquiring of new five boats, aggressive marketing promotion for both local and international markets, and expanding the its “mini-call center” facility to accommodate the growing daily booking transactions.

Islands Group, introduced the Islands Banca Cruises in summer of 2008, with initial investment of P2 million.

Aldeguer said the potential of Cebu becoming the island destination in the country is overwhelming.

Aldeguer said people [both foreign and local tourists] go to Cebu for the activity—like mostly for water-related activities, like island hopping, diving, snorkeling among others, other tourism related activities.

IBC pioneers the introduction of modernized Island Hopping activity, by providing sophisticated services on board and organized Island hopping itineraries for visitors, including the provision of food, drinks on board, and on the Islands, including personalized or customized themed activities.—Ehda M. Dagooc