City land mass, issues impede Cebu growth

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu's upbeat economic growth and welcoming ambiance to both local and foreign investors and visitors are factors that have spurred business exhibitions here, however unlike Manila and Davao, Cebu is relatively small and handling growth could be challenging.

This according to Patrick-Lawrence Tan, chief executive officer of Global-Link MP Events International Inc. which is organizing the Cebu International Travel Expo in the city this week.

In an interview with The FREEMAN, Tan said Cebu has now become a real and growing metropolis amid the fact that it is also facing issues such as floods and heavy traffic, among others.

"However, the growth and development (of Cebu) is really fantastic," the CEO noted.

While Cebu is now being considered as the gateway to the country, one negative feature though that the province has is its small and "not exciting" land mass compared to big cities such as Davao and Manila, he said.

"You know, the great difference between Cebu and Davao is that you (Cebu) welcome investors and visitors for growth. You like to bring events to Cebu," Tan added, citing the International Eucharistic Congress as one of the global big events that Cebu will be hosting in 2016.

Although he lauded the way the local government and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry have done efforts to put Cebu in the position as one of the progressive cities, Tan emphasized there's still a critical challenge that Cebu should face for the next 10 years.

He said, "The challenge is handling -- the growth" and building more infrastructures that would support investments here.  

The three-day travel expo, which is supported by Cebu Association of Tour Operators and Cebu Tours and Travel Association, gives exposure to Cebu's tourism and travel sector.

And it also provides big opportunities to businesses to reach more Cebuano buyers, Tan said. The event is happening until today at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel.

"We believe in promoting the different areas of the country as well as the different areas in Cebu; captured nakasiyung market dito and there's really potential market din," he further added.

The July 24 - 26 expo involves more than 150 companies which are into machinery business, manufacturing, travel service, travel operating, etc. Around 90 percent of the participating companies are Philippine-based and 10 percent are foreign.

"Benefit is exposure ng mga company, getting to know the market, getting the market to know them. Kasi yung sales naman eh that will follow after being exposed," he explained.

The various Department of Tourism regional offices are also participating. The DOT in Central Visayas expects tourist arrivals of 3.6 million this year; 4.4 million by 2015; and 5.8 million by 2016.

The expected surge of visitors will further drive investments and business opportunities in many industries. (FREEMAN)