Papa Kit's banks on social media, word-of-mouth to attract tourists

CEBU, Philippines - An eco-tourism destination initially banks on the patriotism and appreciation of local tourists as a strategic way to eventually entice the international market.

Menca Development Corporation General Manager Hendrich Mendoza urged the locals to visit Papa Kit’s Marina and Fishing Lagoon, a 93-hectare biodiverse property situated at Silot Bay, Liloan, Cebu.

He said that purposely targeting the domestic visitors serves as a technique to entice a broader market which is comprised of international tourists.

The strategy, he added, would become more effective through the word-of-mouth marketing and social media.

He further said that the company had come up with alternative offers for its visitors aside from the usual outdoor activities.

Since the rainy season has come, he cited that people can still enjoy the ambience of nature with its newly-developed options.

The company recently inaugurated Papa Kit’s new cottages, swimming pools and clubhouse last July 31.

Mendoza said that the company invested P3 million for the clubhouse, P1.2 million for the swimming pool and more than P2 million per unit for the cottages.

He also revealed that they are planning to have a total of 20 rooms this year and projected to add 20 more next year to accommodate more guests.

These cottages are regular deluxe rooms with flat-screen television, mini refrigerator, hot-and-cold shower, queen-size bed, and a balcony overlooking the bay.

Papa Kit’s has already finished the two kinds of pool that began its construction last year – the freshwater infinity pool and saltwater swimming pool.

Its two-story clubhouse features the front desk, function rooms, a bar, and a coffee shop.

He noted that such developments enable them to satisfy the needs of their customers considering that Cebuanos are trend-typed clients while staying ahead of the game.

“I’m very happy with the competition. It helps us create more ideas and try to inspire ourselves,” he said.

Meanwhile, he cited that the company’s main goal with the establishment of Papa Kit’s is more on environmental protection than revenue generation.

He said that they strongly promote the restoration and preservation of the area particularly the sea, corals and mangroves.

“It’s basically the protection of the environment. The revenue is just secondary. It will follow. We encourage especially the locals to see what we have. Once you’re in Papa Kit’s, you deal with nature and learn the value of discipline,” he stated.

Since it opened in August 2010, Papa Kit’s has been known for a typical bonding avenue for family and friends, corporate outing, team building, and sports activities.

Aside from its new alternatives, visitors can avail of other features of the eco-tourism area such as fishing, kayaking, boating, zip line, hanging bridge, wall climbing and other sports activities.