Tourism players step up efforts

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Tourism (DOT-7) is working double-time with Cebu tourism stakeholders to present Cebu well during the 500th anniversary celebration of the introduction of the Roman Catholic Church in the country on 2021.

DOT-7 regional director Shalimar Tamano said tourism players in Cebu, in close coordination with local government units (LGUs) within the province, will be working hand-in-hand to further develop the culture, heritage, as well as other attractions within the province.

Route development connecting Cebu to more overseas and local airports as well as interisland seaports will also be given utmost attention because this is crucial to attracting visitors during the celebration, Tamano said.

“Product and marketing are important. We are doing everything much faster now because Cebu will be on the center stage of the 500th anniversary of Christianity,” he added.

Everything will be in place, including safety, efficiency of tourism services, and adventure tours, among others.

Meanwhile, the 500th anniversary in 2021 is expected boost the faith tourism component of Cebu, aside its known brand as tropical and heritage destination.

Dr. Jose Eleazar Bersales, head curator of the USC Museum and associate professor, said that faith tourism component should also be carefully planned alongside the usual attractions.

According to Bersales, the Philippines is a late comer in faith tourism despite its strong Christian population. But while new, the country has what it takes to draw pilgrims from all over the world.

Bersales said faith tourism promotion is not just a one-man show for it needs strong support from tourism stakeholders, local government units and religious leaders to unite to effectively market the product both in local and international markets.

Already, some Cebu-based tour operators have crafted tour proposals for this new product, which covers 500-year walk tour- Retracing Cebu’s History in the last 500 years; Marian pilgrimages in northern and southern Cebu; Bisikleta Tour and Sacred Treasures of Cebu Tour.

United Nations World Tourism Organization estimated 300 million to 330 million pilgrims visit the world’s key religious sites every year.

Religious travel is estimated at a value of US$18 billion every year.

Recently, Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella’s administration targets to implement the “pedestrianization” program in the vicinity of Cebu’s heritage site along Sto. Niño church to capitalize on the city’s edge in showcasing its interesting heritage and culture to tourists.

The Heritage Walk would also include the pedestrian leading to Fort San Pedro.

Labella targets to realize the project before 2021.