National tourism groups help push Cebu as convention hub

National tourism bodies are now helping Cebu to become an international convention hub, as National Association of Independent Travel Agencies (NAITAs) and Skal-Philippines are jointly pushing two international conventions to be held in Cebu.

Two huge international conventions may be held in Cebu in the next two years, if NAITAS in cooperation with Skal International-Cebu will be able to convince organizers of these events to consider Cebu as their host.

The Skal International Asian Assembly and the 5th Global Filipino Networking Convention may be held in Cebu in 2008, both are expected to attract thousands of foreign delegates, said NAITAS president Robert Lim Joseph in a recent meeting with NAITAS members in Cebu.

The Skal International Asian Assembly alone could draw around 3,000 to 5,000 delegates including their spouses and other family members, Joseph said.

Skal International-Cebu president Efren Belarmino will lead the bidding for this convention to be held in Cebu, with the help of NAITAS, Joseph said.

According the Joseph, NAITAS believes that Cebu has the charm to attract huge international participation because of its enchanting location, which offers all-in-one benefits, business and leisure.

Each participant is calculated to spend at least US$750 to US$1,000, for a three-night, four days stay in Cebu.

Also, Joseph stressed that NAITAS is also strong pushing for the holding of 5th Global Filipino Networking Congress in 2008. On September 28 to October 1, this year, NAITAS and other Filipino participants will be going to Hawaii for the 4th Global Filipino Convention.

According to Joseph, the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) through its chairperson Loida Nicolas Lewis was very happy of the good turn out of the 3rd Global Pinoy Congress held in Cebu last year.

Joseph who is based in Manila, but had long been an "adopted son" of Cebu, said "When you come to Cebu you are honored, when you leave Cebu you are a friend, when you come back to Cebu you are [part] family," he said.

The Global Pinoys he said are the wealthy individuals, who earn in dollars, they are expected to spend more in shopping, and dining, entertainment, and other packages Cebu can offer.

While the participants of the Skal-International Asian Convention are the front liners in the travel and tourism industry, these include international hoteliers, media, tour operators, shipping line owners, international airline operators, among others, these people are good tools to promote Cebu in their respective countries, Joseph stressed.

NAITAs is an association of small and medium travel agents and operators in the Philippines, it has over 900 members nationwide.