Labella wants hotels, restaurants to step up

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella has urged hotels and restaurants in Cebu City to make every effort to be competitive, and not resting confidence on Cebu’s edge in tourism.

The Mayor emphasized the need for Cebu’s hospitality and restaurant facilities to operate as world-class, specifically that the Cebu will take the world’s spotlight again in 2021 during the 500th anniversary celebration of the introduction of Roman Catholic Church.

The City government, Labella said is laying the ground in making Cebu an impressive destination, starting off with the implementation of the planned “pedestrianization” program in the vicinity of Cebu’s heritage site along Sto. Niño church, to capitalize the city’s edge in showcasing its interesting heritage and culture to tourists.

“We have to underscore that Cebu City is a heritage site. We have to do something more in capitalizing this,” the Mayor said.

Along with the leveling up of Cebu as a diversified destination where business, beach, heritage and culture, can be enjoyed altogether, facilities such as accommodations, restaurants should also catch, and may invest in improving their offers, including service.

A significant addition to Cebu’s magnet is the recent designation as UNESCO “Creative City.

Department of Tourism (DOT-7) committed that the sector is working double-time to present Cebu well during the 500th anniversary celebration.

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, including the hospitality and food services.

Route development connecting Cebu to more overseas and local airports, as well as inter-island 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 in the 500th anniversary of Christianity,” he added.

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