EDITORIAL - Beautiful haven

In the wake of killings rocking Cebu these days, at least we have something to cheer about on account of the province’s inclusion on the list of the 10 best destinations in the world courtesy of an international travel magazine.

New York-based Travel+Leisure ranked Cebu eighth in its latest survey of the “most beautiful havens in the world.” Another Philippine wonder, Palawan, ranked two notches higher, placing sixth on the list dominated by three Indonesia’s tourist destinations: Java, Bali, and Lombok.

Actually, Cebu placed sixth in the ranking in 2016 but failed to make it to the list last year. The province roared back this year as it met the criteria in the fields of “activities and sights, natural attractions and beaches, food, friendliness, and overall value.”

This development is good news for Cebu and Cebuanos who, for years, have painstakingly taken crucial steps to revolutionize the local tourism industry for it to be at par with international standards. This also serves as a breath of fresh air amid the series of violence hogging the headlines.

Cebu has long been in the radar of many international tourists. With attractions ranging from heritage sites to fine beaches, the province has always been a consistent player in the tourism ballgame being the country’s top destination.

Of course, Cebu still needs a lot of improvement. The number one concern of visitors is the lack of modern transportation, with many of them claiming they are having a hard time going to tourist sites across the province.

We have to admit that poor infrastructure remains a major hindrance in the effort to entice more tourists. This is one area that local authorities should need to improve if Cebu wants to catch up with those major tourist destinations in Asia.

It’s a good thing Cebu now has a modern airport terminal catering to international flights that would enable it to accommodate more overseas visitors. In tourism promotion, it is accessibility that will always play the lead role.