Displaced workers urged to venture into tourism

CEBU, Philippines – Tourism Secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano is encouraging workers affected by the global economic crisis to venture into tourism-related businesses.

Among the possible ventures that retrenched workers could get into include events management services, language schools, souvenir shops, consumable souvenir items including the repackaging of local pastries and delicacies, said Durano.

“As long as you have the creativity and skill, you don't need to have much capital to put up a business that will benefit the whole industry,” the secretary said, stressing that investments in tourism is not only limited to establishments like hotels and resorts.

He said there is a need for Filipinos to capitalize on the thriving tourism industry, especially in Cebu.

Durano said there are a lot of businesses that a meager income worker can get into. If capital is a problem, they can create a group or consortium with friends and combine their resources to start up the business.

He suggested locals with tour operating capabilities may form a consortium to develop creative tourism packages that will cater to foreign travelers.          

Durano added events management services will soon be a hit as he foresees the influx of meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) to Cebu.

Tourism Undersecretary Phineas Alburo echoed Durano’s ideas saying Cebu lacks local event organizers catering to the international Mice market, as most of them come from Metro Manila.

English-as-a-second-language (ESL) teaching is another viable investment opportunity, as the country continues to become the training ground for Koreans, Japanese and Chinese to enhance their English proficiency.

Both Durano and Alburo were one in saying that souvenir shops will again be mushrooming in key tourism spots around the province. For souvenir delicacies and pastries, in particular, Durano recommended for the repackaging of these products.

“For tourists who are frequenting the province, they see the same gift item year after year,” he commented.

He cited the usual packaging of well-known Cebuano delicacy Otap, for example, can be too bulky for foreigners.

“If they can repackage where each piece of Otap is wrapped individually similar to chocolate bars, then I think it's good for foreigners,” he added.

Durano said there are unlimited ideas for business that can be offered to the growing tourism industry in Cebu, with consideration that every tourist will spend in food, souvenirs, and leisure packages, among others. — Ehda M. Dagooc