[ Manila Bulletin Online ] January 8, 2009
Despite adverse effects of global financial crisis
CEBU CITY — Despite the global financial crisis that has crippled many industries, Cebu’s tourism industry will continue to be vibrant this year under the leadership of Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia and the Department of Tourism (DoT).
Although tourist arrivals dropped in the last quarter of the year apparently due to the effects of the global crisis, Cebu’s tourism industry will remain alright, but local government units (LGUs) must work hand in hand with stakeholders to keep the pace, the National Association of Independent Travel Agencies (Naitas) said.
"Cebu must focus on getting international niche market and consider local tourists to survive the financial crunch," said Naitas Chairman Emeritus Robert Lim Joseph, who is also the honorary consul of the Republic of Latvia.
He said the LGUs must work hand in hand with the DoT in initiating more tourism-related marketing and promotional activities that will draw tourists to come to the province as a breather from the stressful effect of the financial crunch.
"There could be a decline in the number of tourists, but let’s try to be competitive in terms of service and offerings so that tourist will remain interested in coming to Cebu," Joseph said.
Naitas, for this year, will be focusing on Cebu because of the active collaboration of the LGUs and the tourism stakeholders.
"Leaders in Cebu have positive outlook, and they are not selfish," said Joseph.
The 1,200-member Naitas has lauded Governor Garcia for her "undying support" in the tourism industry, especially in promoting Cebu as a tourism hub.
Garcia’s "Suroy-Suroy Sugbo" (travel Cebu) has earned the praises of the travel group saying it has further promoted tourism in the countryside and made Cebu among the top destinations for tourists in the Philippines.
"She has shown support for the (tourism) industry. The kind of support that you can’t find elsewhere," said Joseph.
Aside from the Suroy-Suroy Sugbo, Governor Garcia also encouraged cities and municipalities in Cebu to initiate festivals that will bring tourists and former residents back to their hometowns.
Garcia shelled out financial support to municipalities that will hold local festivals and will attend personally to show support.
Joseph said the Cebu Governor has done what others have failed to do in promoting their provinces, tourism-wise.
