Recovering Japanese market to lift Phl tourism, industries

CEBU, Philippines - The recovering interest of the Japanese market to consider Cebu as a preferred vacation destination, as indicated by the growing number of arrivals and its strong interest to acquire condominium units could boost not only tourism sector, but other industries here.

Known for its love in wellness, and leisure, the Japanese market rebound is seen to further boost the wellness, healthcare, entertainment, retail and even real estate sectors in the province, said Cebu Health and Wellness Council (CHWC) trustee Patria Aurora “Dawnie” Roa.

Roa, who is the former Department of Tourism (DOT-7) regional director said that Cebu’s long term efforts to revive the Japanese market is now getting its positive results, following reports of increasing number of Japanese young retirees buying off condominium units in Cebu.

“Japanese nationals are high spender. They are wealthy. They spend more than any other nationalities. If they are going to consider Cebu as their second home, the more that other industries will be benefited especially the wellness, and retail,” Roa said.

The influx of Japanese to Cebu, while good for the province economy in general, it is expected to help push the medical tourism sector here.

Earlier, Megaworld Inc., which is building a township project on Mactan Island called “The Mactan Newtown,” reported that bulk of Japanese young retirees are buying residential condominium units. So far, over 700 units are already sold to this particular market.

Another two residential towers will be constructed, and likewise eyed again by a group of another Japanese young retirees.

According to Roa, Japanese are high spender on medical and other forms of therapuetic services. Thus, Cebu’s bid to take off in the medical tourism sector is expected to be realized with this development.

However, Roa said this early, hospital facilities in Cebu should start to be accredited with the Japanese HMOs, and health insurance accreditation firms in Japan, in order to accomodate the high-spender Japanese market.

This develoment Roa said will challenge the hospitals in Cebu to fast track their international accreditation for HMOs, especially for the growing Japanese market, making sure that they offer coverage for the young Japanese retirees.

“They [Japanese] like to go to Spa, or avail of alternative therapuetic services. For young active retirees like those what we are getting—they like to explore in aqua sports, golf, night life, and good food,” Roa said.

the province is positioning to promote itself as “Light Medical Tourism Destination,” in the Philippines.

Cebu is now is the top pick destination for light procedures in medical services, like executive check up, cosmetic treatment and surgery, dental, combined with leisure and wellness activities.

This is what Cebu is banking on, in order to maximize its inviting environment for medical tourists. — (FREEMAN)