CCCI to create programs to reinvent Cebu tourism

CEBU, Philippines – The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) tourism committee is set to initiate an intensive tourism program to spruce up Cebu's edge in the industry in preparation for the anticipated recovery of the international tourism market.

CCCI tourism committee chairperson Mila Espina said that the committee will start introducing at least four sub-programs to re-invent Cebu tourism to fit today's changing needs of tourists.

In partnership with tourism stakeholders in Cebu and the local government units (LGUs) in both the Cebu City and Cebu Provincial governments, Cebu will introduce the "Hop-on/Hop-off" program that will give tourists' convenience in hopping from one attraction to another.

According to Espina, the committee will also introduce the creation of "Windows of Cebu" facility that will showcase all the prime attraction of Cebu in one place, to give some tourists a glimpse of what Cebu can offer.

Patterned after the facilities of great tourism destinations in the world, where a one-stop-shop of venue will display all the attractions in one place, including the iconic land-marks, heritage and culture, the facility is seen to make Cebu a truly world-class destination.

According to Espina, since the creation of "Windows of Cebu" would entail significant budget, stakeholders will seek the help from both LGU and the national government, specifically that the Aquino administration made its promise to help Cebu's tourism sector.

Earlier, The Republic of the Philippines' executive secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr., said the government has recognized Cebu's leadership in the tourism sector in the country.

"Last year, Cebu was the country's top tourist destination, with 1.6 million visitors, and it's not hard to see why you have a beautify City that is complemented by the kind of ward hospitality that makes visitors come back again and again," said Ochoa.

Espina said there is a need for Cebu to constantly re-invent itself in terms of attracting tourist.

Significantly, she said Cebu will also pioneer in introducing "green tourism" in the country, through the establishment of a "Creative Eco-Tour," that will showcase all the environment and health-friendly initiatives by Cebuanos, such as the eco-house of former Cebu City Councilor Nestor Archival, and some distinct eco-icons in Cebu.

Espina said there are a lot of eco-facilities that environment-savvy tourists will love to go to, including the high-land organic farm of Rene Mercado, an organic restaurant, the eco-adventure package or the famous Zip-line facility in Balamban, among others.

Espina said there is a dire need to introduce new packages to the changing interest of tourists. These programs will be added on top of the conventional tour package being offered by the tourism sellers or tour operators now.

Also, another project is to put up "Information Networking Center" in major areas all over Metro Cebu to give tourists access to information about Cebu's tourism, including where to stay, dine; how to get to a certain destination; safety measures; data base of restaurants, hotels, among others.

Espina said this information should readily be made available to tourists. One facility may be set up in the airport, port area, transportation terminals, among others. (FREEMAN)