Tourism players drawing out Bantayan’s potential

CEBU, Philippines - Tourism stakeholders are eyeing to showcase more of what Bantayan island has to offer, apart from being a beach haven to tourists.

To be spearheaded by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), the move to maximize Bantayan’s tourism potential will be discussed during the Tourism Congress next month, said chamber executive director May ElizabethYbañez.

Ybañez said the chamber already had initial talks with Bantayan tourism stakeholders on identifying the islands other attractions other than beach and diving.         

Bantayan, she said could be developed into a pilgrimage and heritage destination too. Tourism stakeholders in the island should also capitalize on its alluring sunset, among others.

Activities should be developed during dusk or sunset in the beach. Stakeholders on the island will be mentored on these kinds of opportunities to take advantage of the natural resources around.

According to Ybañez, the countryside has a lot of tourism potential, specifically the islands but that local residents should learn how to maximize this potential.

She said apart from the usual beach, cave, waterfalls and other eco-tourism and nature related itineraries, Cebu should create added twists to make the province more interesting, thereby tourists have more reasons to keep coming back.

Meanwhile, Cebu Association of Tour Specialists (Catos) president Alice Queblatin confirmed that there is a growing interest among local and foreign tourists towards the northern corridor of the Cebu province in recent months.

Cebu's northern trail, although known for its white beach islands, caves, cold and hot springs, waterfalls, and eco-tourism attractions, there are many hidden allures in the northern part that are still waiting to be explored by travelers. (FREEMAN)