Cebu 7th best place to travel to in Asia

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu has been voted as one of the best islands to travel to in Asia, according to the recent survey conducted by the international travel magazine, Travel + Leisure.

Garnering a score of 87, Cebu was hailed as the 7th best island to visit because of “top-notch reef and wreck diving, white-sand beaches, hiking trails with waterfalls and welcoming locals.”

“We are now on the world map, we are now seventh. Samot ug ato pud (nga) i-launch ang Suroy-suroy,” Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia commented on the recent feat.

She said that the accomplishment will be further strengthened through the re-launching of one of her pet programs.

Suroy-suroy sa Sugbo is a tourism caravan that takes local and international tourists to the different municipalities and cities in the province with the goal of exposing them to local handicrafts, delicacies, festivals and scenic spots.

One of the elements of Suroy-suroy Garcia wishes to emphasize is the inclusion of all cities and municipalities in the caravan.

“We will go back to what the Suroy-suroy was. We will really give each and every town regardless of political affiliation the chance to shine by bringing our tourists and stopping at every town,” she said.

The first leg of the caravan, the South Heritage Trail, will include a visit to all the cities and municipalities of the first, second and seventh district as well as one town in the third district.

Aside from focusing on covering all the towns in the province, Garcia also said she wants to make it a point that as the local chief executive, she would lead the caravan.

“Aron makakita ang mga tawo nga gitagaan gyud ni ug igo nga importansiya ug pagtagad dili lang para sa atong mga turista apan mas labaw pa gyud sa atong mga lumulupyo,” she explained.

The provincial government aims to relaunch the caravan by the fourth week of October or the second week of November.

The Tourism Office will now begin conducting an inventory of available rooms in South Cebu. Garcia is set to meet resort owners and operators to ensure that guests receive premium service and amenities.—  FPL (FREEMAN)