CCCI expects stronger partnership with DOT

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) Tourism Committee is anticipating a much stronger partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT), as Secretary Alberto Lim vowed to support any private-sector initiated tourism program.

CCCI tourism committee chairperson Milagros Espina said in an interview with The FREEMAN that Lim had already responded to the letter sent to his office recently asking the department’s commitment to support programs and initiatives of CCCI towards the further development of tourism in Cebu province.

According to Espina, Lim has furnished a copy to the chamber the memorandum sent to DOT-7 regional director Rowena Montecillo to sustain the strong partnership and support given to the private sector in terms of tourism development programs, and events.

“The secretary directed DOT-7 to see to it that linkages with the private sector would be sustained,” said Espina expressing confidence that Cebu will be able to maximize its tourism potential now that the government has given its official word of support.

Part of the CCCI’s request, is the establishment of “Windows of Cebu” program, which will supposedly utilized part of the “Malacañang sa Sugbo” building. The “Windows of Cebu” facility will give a one-stop-shop venue for tourists to see the tourism attraction of the province, including its history and culture.

Other tourism projects currently initiated by CCCI, is the introduction of “The Eco Tourism and Heritage Program”, which highlights the ecology attractions in Cebu.

 Although, this program is seen to create another facet of Cebu tourism, and additional tour options for tourists, it is entirely different if the government will also endorse the program formally.

CCCI had been recognizing tourism as one of the three major economic drivers for Cebu, together with Information Technology and Communication and Entrepreneurship. Espina reiterated these three power drivers for Cebu can also be maximized if the government will be able to give its utmost support.

The Eco-tourism and heritage promotion is the first full-pledged initiative in Cebu to properly highlight the different eco-tourism destinations in the province.

This program is also supported by major tourism stakeholder groups in Cebu, like the National Association of Independent Travel Agencies (Naitas Cebu), Cebu Association of Tour Operators (CATO), CebuTour and Travel Association (CTTA), Cebu Visitors and Convention Bureau (CVCB), Hotel, Resort, Restaurant Association of Cebu (HRRAC), and others.

“We [CCCI] are only the advocator, initiator of the stakeholders. This is our way for contributing to Cebu’s tourism sector, of which it is also one of the three advocacy thrusts of the chamber, we are happy that DOT is behind us and will support us in this endeavor,” Espina added.

Lim, in his earlier pronouncement, said that the government still has to push other potential destinations in the Philippines, and Cebu with its dynamic tourism sector, needs only minimal support from the government.

“Cebu can do it by itself,” said Lim adding that Cebu stakeholders are pro-active enough to draw its own program and that the government will well support it.— (FREEMAN)