Cebu lacks proper infrastructure to lure high-end tourists

CEBU, Philippines - Although Cebu is trying to attract the affluent globetrotters for quite a while now, the island province remains out of the radar of this particular market.

French hotelier Harold Rainfroy said Cebu is not yet a preferred destination for high-end tourists.

While Cebu undoubtedly has big potential to lure the wealthy and high spending travelers, it has to build complementary facilities such as luxury shopping hubs.

A destination’s reputation on security matters is an important factor to consider in order to get the attention of high heeled tourists, added Rainfroy, who is the general manager of Movenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu.

Rainfroy specifically mentioned the emerging interest of moneyed Chinese travelers to explore the Philippines. This too, is something to reach out for.

We are not yet a destination for high end. They are not willing to come yet," said Rainfroy referring specifically to the Chinese travelers.

In terms of security and shopping, Cebu has yet to improve at least on these needs.

Earlier, Samuel "Samie" Lim, vice president for tourism and retailing of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), said that while tourism prospects in the Philippines is seen to sustain in high stride, it is time for the country to entice the premium and high spender travelers.

Lim believes that unless the Philippines will be serious enough on fixing the needed infrastructure, the country's potential to attract all segment of travelers from backpackers to wealthy globetrotters will remain useless.

At present, Lim said the country only attracts the mid-low end tourist who spends less than US$1,000 for their trip despite having some of the best resort in the world.

According to Lim, the Philippines should upgrade its tourism facilities to attract the mid and high-end market which spends $2,000 to $4,000 per visit for truly exciting world class destinations.

To get the attention of this luxurious traveling segment, Lim said, now is the "only" time for the Philippines to take action on putting money in infrastructure upgrade.

This is important Lim said in order to to accommodate over 20 million tourists in the next decade. (FREEMAN)