Tourism capitalist eyeing B&B venture in outlying tourist areas

CEBU, Philippines – Tourism advocate and capitalist Robert Lim Joseph is eyeing to invest in bed and breakfast accommodation facilities in the outlying tourism destinations in the Philippines.

Chairman of Food & Beverage Inc., and operator of Ralph's Wine store chain and Hotel Vino, Joseph said his company is looking at establishing B&B facilities in Camiguin, Bohol, El Nido, Dumaguete, Boracay, in the mountain areas of Baguio, and island destinations and countryside destinations in Cebu province.

However, Joseph said he is planning to partner with the community in the particular venture stressing that this initiative is aimed at encouraging the residents in the host community to emulate or partner with him.

Joseph said the tourism areas in the outlying districts need decent, clean, safe, but affordable accommodation facilities. He noted that the bed and breakfast type of accommodation, and even home-stay concepts are yet to be mastered by the host destinations, wherein residents still need mentoring on how to maximize or capitalize on tourism.

"With a little money, we can participate in taking advantage of our booming tourism sector," he said explaining that residents could form a consortium in order to make tourism a means of livelihood.

Joseph's plan to build low-key accommodation facilities in these areas was prompted by the obvious shortage of affordable accommodation facilities in the outskirt communities, where modern and younger tourists are drawn to visit these days.

A B&B is a small lodging establishment that offers overnight accommodation and inclusive breakfast, but usually does not offer other meals.

B&B is also offered at accommodations ranging from a spare room in a private home to a boarding house, inn, hotel, or restored historical building such as a palace. (FREEMAN)