Cebu hotels urged to take lead in sustaining tourism potential

CEBU, Philippines - Former tourism secretary Joseph Ace Durano has urged the Hotel, Resort, Restaurant Association of Cebu (HRRAC) to take the lead in maximizing Cebu’s potential in tourism, while forging good relationship with the government.

Durano expressed confidence that the solid HRRAC group in Cebu will be able to bring together the entire tourism stakeholders in Cebu to initiate sound programs and advocacies that will sustain Cebu’s tourism niche, while pursuing projects that will introduce new facet of Cebu’s tourism industry.

“I know the HRRAC can take the lead in giving the old Cebu a new face,” Durano said.

The Cebuano former tourism chief also encouraged Cebu stakeholders to be united in their action, and take advantage of the government’s varied programs geared at further developing the tourism sector, as it is considered as one of the country’s top growth engines.

He reiterated his belief that Cebu can achieve its highest peak in the tourism sector, as long as stakeholders will unite in formulating innovative programs, and activities, providing wide options for tourists.

On the other hand, the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) Tourism Committee is expecting a much stronger partnership with the DOT, following the letter from secretary Alberto expressing his support to further boost Cebu’s tourism sector.

In a separate interview with CCCI Tourism Committee chairperson Milagros Espina, she said that the chamber has gotten a letter from Lim last month, in response to the request sent by Chamber to Lim’s office asking for support from the department.

According to Espina, Lim has directed the DOT regional office here led by Rowena Montecillo to support the undertakings of the private sector in regards to tourism programs.

“The secretary directed DOT-7 to see to it that linkages with the private sector would be sustained,” Espina said.

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.

“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, need 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.

Espina said the chamber is ready to collaborate with HRRAC and other tourism related organizations to formulate programs that will give Cebu a new face. (FREEMAN)