Naitas proposes Cebu to host PITF next year

In its effort to magnify Cebu’s charm as the tourism center in the Philippines, the National Association of Independent Travel Agencies (Naitas) now bids for Cebu to be the venue for next year’s 3rd Philippine International Travel Fair (PITF).

The PITF 2009 is seen to lure more tourism buyers from all over the world, specifically if it will be again held in Cebu, said Consul Robert Lim Joseph, Naitas chairman emeritus.

He said the success of the recently concluded 2nd PITF, which was held at the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC) is a good benchmark that tourism wholesalers are attracted to come if it is held in the country’s top tourism destination, like Cebu.

Because of this, although works is still ongoing to bid for the hosting of next year’s event, Joseph said bigger PITF is expected next year, as Naitas will tap the travel operators, and leaders in the travel industry in Southeast Asia, to participate in the event.

Co-organized by the Department of Tourism (DOT), he said there is a need to sustain the strong recall of international tourism wholesales for Cebu, and that the event is seen to attract at least 200 tourism buyers next year.

He said that Naitas has already signed an agreement with the DOT for the 3rd PITF 2009, which will be held probably again in Cebu.

He also said the travel group has started coordinating with Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia in "creating a major impact for PITF 2009" that is seen to boost Cebu’s tourism industry.

"We want to make the foreign travel associations more aware of what Cebu and the Philippines can offer," he stressed.

"We are fighting [to hold the event] in Cebu," said Joseph, who is one of the strong tourism advocates in the Philippines, that is vocal in his belief to promote Cebu as premier tourism destination that has huge capability to suck a large number of international travelers.

Next year’s PITF will diversify slightly on its event concept, as it will encourage the participation of the local players, and consumers to be more aware of the tourism advantages of Cebu..

He said there is a need for local consumers to be aware of what PITF is all about, and how this would influence the economy of the province.

Likewise, local stakeholders will be educated on sustaining the attractiveness of Cebu the whole-year round, boosting visitor arrivals even during the lean seasons.

This year’s PITF attracted a total of 150 foreign buyers from United States, China, Japan, Korea, Europe, Russia, and other continents. It highlighted the diverse tourism attractions of Cebu and its neighboring provinces, specifically in promoting “adventure tourism.”

Next year, large tourism buyers and associations from Southeast Asia will be invited to join the event, like Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Indonesia, among others. – Ehda M. Dagooc