Street market initiative banks on food tourism

CEBU, Philippines - As food tourism is slowly gaining ground among local and foreign travelers, Cebu is also taking the initiative of maximizing this particular attraction, said an event organizing company.

Guru Ads & Marketing Consultancy recently opened its first street market activity called "Tinda Locale" on a 1,200 square-meter Linear Park of Cebu Holdings Inc., at the Cebu Business Park (right across Marriott Hotel).

Tinda Locale is an al fresco street market showcasing the best of Cebu--from gastronomic delights to bargain shopping.

"We want to showcase local food-preneurs in Cebu who have no access to wider market. They are the startup entrepreneurs whose products are worth to be exposed," said Julienne Eva Guanzon, director for operations of Tinda Locale.

To help promote food tourism in Cebu, Guanzon said her group will partner with the Department of Tourism (DOT) to endorse Tinda Locale as one of the major tourism stop in Cebu.

"Other countries have very robust street market destinations. With Filipino cuisine considered as the rising star in the gastronomic world, we envision for Tinda Locale to be the street market destination for both local and tourists," added Tinda Locale managing director Bruce Bollozos.

The newest street market can accommodate a total of 34 tenants and with a seating capacity of 400.

The company has secured a one-year lease deal with Cebu Holdings Inc., the developer Cebu Business Park.

Guanzon said aside from the growing interest in tourism tripping among tourists or food tourism, tenants are also assured of captured market due to its strategic location, being surrounded with offices, residential and other commercial establishments.

Tenants at the Tinda Locale pay a rent of at least P25,000 per month. Weekly and locked-in rates are also available.

Guanzon said that for a startup entrepreneur, this investment is way cheaper compared to mall rates, stressing that "our advocacy is to help new startups."

"The objective of the lifestyle street market is simple—and that is to become a destination where all homegrown food and retail players can converge and showcase the best of Cebu," added Guanzon. (FREEMAN)