Capitol to push for protection of tourism sites

CEBU, Philippines —  The Provincial Tourism Commission vows to drum up support particularly in proposing policies that would protect and preserve the grandeur of Cebu’s tourism sites after the island was named one of the top 25 best destinations in Asia.

TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel website, hailed Cebu in its Travelers’ Choice Awards 2019 as one of the best places to go to in Asia. Cebu was the only Philippine island given the recognition.

“As the head of the Provincial Tourism Committee, I assure you that there will be more measures lobbied on the protection of our tourism sites,” said the commission chair and Vice Governor Agnes Magpale.

Magpale said that the council is motivated by the continued attraction of tourists to Cebu’s natural assets. She said they will push for measures that will promote sustainable tourism.

“We have and will always be extremely proud of Cebu. Our natural wonders continue to be a favorite of local and foreign tourists, which is why we push for the protection of our environment to ensure that Cebu will never lose its beauty,” she said.

Magpale recognized that the provincial government cannot do it alone.

“I am also thankful for the active support and participation of the LGUs, as well as NGOs and business operators in the tourism sector, for always taking part in the Capitol’s programs to promote, at the same time protect, our province,” she added.

On its website, the top destinations in Asia are: Bali, Indonesia; Phuket, Thailand; Siem Reap, Cambodia; Hanoi, Vietnam; Tokyo, Japan; Kathmandu, Nepal; Jaipur, India; Hong Kong, China; Seoul, South Korea; Goa, India; Bangkok, Thailand; Hoi An, Vietnam; Kyoto, Japan; Chiang Mai Thailand;  New Delhi, India; Beijing, China; Da Nang, Vietnam; Krabi Town, Thailand; Singapore, Singapore; Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Shanghai, China; Taipei, Taiwan; Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara; Osaka, Japan; and Cebu, Philippines.

Among the popular destinations in Cebu Island are the cities of Cebu, Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue, Talisay, and Carcar; the towns of Moalboal, Oslob, Santa Fe, Dalaguete, Argao, Cordova, Badian, Alegria, Daanbantayan, Liloan, and Boljoon. Also included are the Malapascua Island, Mactan Island, and Bantayan Island.

TripAdvisor, Inc. is a US-based travel and restaurant website company that shows hotel and restaurant reviews, accommodation and flight bookings, vacation rentals, travel guides, among other travel-related contents; the website services are free to users, who provide most of the contents. — FPL (FREEMAN)