Tuesday, August 12, 2008 [ sunstar.com.ph ]
AN OFFICIAL of the Department of Tourism (DOT) revealed that Cebu and Bohol are the “easiest” destinations to sell during foreign missions conducted by the DOT.
Undersecretary Eduardo Jarque said that although the Philippines is “oozing” with attractions, “not every attraction is a destination.”
For one, “the community has to be ready to welcome the tourists,” Jarque said in an interview last Saturday.
Jarque received the Newsmakers Award of the year on behalf of Tourism Secretary Ace Durano. The award was given during the second anniversary celebration of 888 News Forum at the Cebu City Waterfront Hotel and Casino.
Jarque said that aside from all the necessary “hardware”—like hotels and airports—found in Cebu and Bohol, the community’s involvement in tourism efforts in the provinces is what sustains tourism.
He also lauded the active participation of the private sector in Cebu and Bohol. He added that in other areas like Manila, the private sector has already started to realize its role in tourism.
“The DOT can only create awareness and promote the destinations, the private sector has to be present,” he said.
In September, a team from the DOT will visit Vietnam, Paris (France), St. Petersburg and Moscow in Russia for a sales mission.
Responsive
“I have never seen the private sector and the community so responsive to tourism as that in Cebu,” Jarque said.
He said that there is still so much potential in Cebu and Bohol that can be exploited for tourism purposes. One such potential is the local cuisine and delicacies in Cebu since food is something that can attract tourists to an area, he added.
He advised the private sector and the local community to create more activities, especially during the non-peak season for tourists.
Jarque also said the DOT is compiling a report that highlights Cebu’s importance as a gateway destination.
The report will be presented by Durano during the second day of the 17th Visayas Area Business Conference on Friday.
The DOT is also coming up with activities directed on environmental conservation since the department has noted an increasing interest among tourism stakeholders to “give back” to the community. (DME)
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