With improved airport facilities, more tourists visit Mactan

CEBU, Philippines — With Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) having an International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certification, more tourists have visited Lapu-Lapu City.

Mayor Paz Radaza said foreign and local travellers going in and out of the city would spread positive feedbacks to their friends and families.

"Morag word of mouth na nila ug makaingon sila nga nindot og nag enjoy sila while staying here. Comfortable sad sila (sa ilahang travel) while passing through the airport. This is one of the factors nga naka contribute (sa city tourism)," Radaza said.

Radaza added that MCIA will exert more efforts following the recognition from Government Quality Management Committee (GQMC).

Last Oct. 25, the MCIAA was recognized by the GQMC for meeting its standards and for having an efficient delivery of airport services.   This is the first time they were recognized by the agency.

City Tourism Officer Hembler Mendoza also said that MCIA has the physical amenities that made their stay in the city more comfortable.

He added that MCIA considered its facility as a tourist spot in the city being the gateway to other tourist spots.

"A destination na siya. Kung moanhi kag Philippines, instead moadto og Manila, diri (sa Lapu-Lapu City) una, una moadto sa mga domestic (areas) . Gateway na siya in the future," he said.

"The forecast right now is 11.7 million (tourists) by the end of this year," he said.

The city government will have another Tourism Expo next week, a three-day event that will showcase its products in Gaisano Grand Fiesta Island Mall Convention Center next week.

Mendoza said this will happen from Nov. 16 to Nov. 17.

"At least 40 exhibitors are invited to present their products and services," Mendoza said.

This is the second time the city will host this event that is in line with its fiesta celebration of Our Lady of the Rule.

Last year, about 30 exhibitors joined the expo.

Most of the exhibitors came from various hotels and restaurants in the city, according to Mendoza.

The expo, Mendoza said, will also highlight the launching of the Amazing Wildlife Festival jingle composed by Gani Villarojo with lyrics written by Isabella Villarojo.  This will be performed by Jeyve Daño.

A fashion show and a dance interpretation are expected in the event.

Mendoza also said that Department of Tourism-7 director Shalimar Tamano will grace the expo.  — MBG (FREEMAN)