Cebu prepares for Sinulog 2012

CEBU, Philippines - A non-government organization is now preparing for the arrival of hundreds of balikbayan tourists for the Sinulog festival in coordination with the Cebu City and the provincial government of Cebu.

Vice Governor Agnes Magpale said the number of balikbayan tourists keep on increasing ever year since they introduced the Balik Cebu Program.

Magpale said they accommodated at least 200 tourist during last year’s Sinulog festivities.

She added that they will meet on January 3 for the final preparations to entertain the balik bayan tourists.

Like what they did last year, the Balik Cebu committee which is organized by the Ayala Group of Companies will again offer and host a welcome dinner for the tourists on January 12.

The vice governor who also chairs tourism and international committee, said the upsurge of tourists every Sinulog celebration is a big boost to the economy of Cebu.

According to Magpale, a study conducted by the National Statistical Coordinating Board shows that every tourist spends 28 percent of his/her money on shopping, 28 percent on food, and 21 percent on accommodations. The rest is already for air fare.

“So 75 percent of their money for their trip dia sa Cebu nila gigasto. If every tourist spends this much, dako gyud og economic significance,” she said.

The balik Cebu Committee will also showcase pocket activities on Jan 12 like the massage by Patria de Cebu, display or selling of Cebu guitars, and pasalubong stations. (FREEMAN)