Tourism industry to fuel Cebu's economy in 2011

CEBU, Philippines - One of the much anticipated highlights of 2011 will be the performance of Cebu’s tourism industry as it is expected to drive the province’s economy, like never before.

Local economist Perry Fajardo said that the trend of tourism now “is not normal” anymore, as it is picking up and is expected to strengthen next year, unless a major calamity or crisis will hit again.

 Fajardo said as Cebu has already established its name in the world market as preferred business and leisure destination, it is going to benefit from the recovering interest of international travelers around the world.

“Tourists have money. Travel goes with higher income market. The world’s recovery is giving the wealthy travelers a new life,” said Fajardo.

Aside from Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), tourism is one of the sectors that will be watched out for beginning next year. Thus, any business related to tourism, is expected to make money—whether big or small.

However, this opportunity should be complemented with right infrastructure, and offerings in order to accommodate the growing market, and that introduction of eco-tourism should be started immediately.

According to Fajardo, the Local Government Units (LGUs), should make tourism a big income generator starting next year, that’s why investment on tourism related facilities, and infrastructure should be started.

Cebu now needs additional attraction and activities, otherwise, tourists have nothing to do here, after one or two days stay. Aside from beach and City tour, other destination options should be offered, and these are the offering of diverse eco-tourism packages.

The far-flung towns in Cebu, should start to do its home work now and be ready for the “tourism boom” in their locality, while tourists are now looking for more exotic destinations to go to, and these are found in the different towns and localities around Cebu province.

Although, Suroy-Suroy program is an effective tool, Fajardo reiterated his call to make the program sustainable, meaning attractions and activities should be ready all the time, whenever tourists come to visit.

Organized trip to different towns, and eco-tourism destinations should be promoted. According to Fajardo Cebu has more to offer, more than just the beaches, Magellan’s Cross, Taoist Temple.

He said there are a lot of eco-tourism attractions in different towns in the province, that are not being promoted, and travel operators do not know about. LGU executives should be empowered to see the wealth in their home-ground and start to capitalize them.

Unlike the BPO, tourism sector generates more employment, business opportunity across market segment and population groupings. In Cebu City, tourism entrepreneurship is a good venture to start with by next year.

Fajardo, who was the main speaker during the joint post 2010 economic briefing hosted by the Cebu Business Club and Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), said that the key to sustain the growth and maximize the growth of tourism in Cebu by 2011 are the LGUs. (FREEMAN)