CEBU, Philippines – Cebu has become the country’s focal destination point for travelers following the aggressive promotion of Central Philippines as a Tourism Super Region, as proclaimed by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo a few years back.
Department of Tourism (DOT) secretary Joseph Ace Durano said that airlines have been offering air connectivity to Central Philippines’ destinations using Cebu as a hub.
Durano said there are at least 18 flights from Cebu going to different areas in Central Philippines, such as Siargao, Tacloban, Legaspi (Bicol), Boracay and Puerto Princesa—Palawan.
“Air connectivity is expanding with the active move of our local airline operators,” said Durano referring to Cebu Pacific, PAL Express, and Zest Air.
The Central Philippines Super Region is envisioned to be the premier tourist destination on account of its unique natural wonders: long white beaches, rich coastal and marine resources, vast forest reserves and diverse ecosystems, varied provincial cultures and historical landmarks and warm and friendly people.
These include; Regions 4 (Palawan-Romblon), Region 5, Region 6, Region 7 (Central Visayas), Region 8 (Leyte), Region 9 (Dapitan) and part of Region 13 (Siargao).
Durano said Cebu’s international airport will serve as a gateway for both domestic and foreign tourists to go into the different jewel destinations within the Central Philippines area.
Not only that, Central Philippines is an excellent representation of the country’s brand image as the tropical paradise of 7,107 islands because of the islands clusters than that of Luzon and Mindanao. Central Philippines is a very good place for Island hopping.
On the other hand, while the Central Philippines is now getting attention as the center for tourism of the Philippines, Durano said there is a lot to be done in some places in taking care of their eco-tourism attractions.
In the islands for instance, such as in Malapascua in Cebu, its solid waste management facility should be effectively maintained in order to maintain the ecological balance of the island.
DOT recently gave financial assistance for the formal operation of the Malapascua Solid Waste Management Project undertaken by the Coastal Conservation and Educational Foundation.
“It is in eco-tourism that the Philippines can be very competitive, it is our niche,” he said adding that through eco-tourism the Philippines will be able to revive the huge European market.
Although taking care of the environment and maintaining ecology is not part of the DOT functions, Durano said his department is willing to extend help in order to preserve the “paradise-like” destinations in the Philippines. After all these destinations are the front line attractions of the country.