Countryside tourism tops Davide’s priority programs

CEBU, Philippines - The newly elected provincial chief executive, who in the next few days will take the reins at the capitol, has vowed to make community-based tourism as the frontline of its tourism development program, to take advantage of Cebu’s rich potential and bank on tourism as the top economic driver of the province.

Cebu Provincial Governor-elect Hilario Davide III announced his commitment to advance the development of countryside tourism, empowering the community to grab the golden opportunity of tourism, while providing them the right infrastructure and technical support to make tourism as one of the major livelihood channels among residents.

Davide told tourism stakeholders during the recently concluded “Tourism Congress” that bulk of the provincial government funds will be spent and used to engage rural communities and tourism stakeholders in developing tourism advantages in different towns in the province.

Also, the new Governor said that aside from forging strong linkages with the community and the tourism stakeholders, the Local Government Units (LGUs) will also be encouraged to set up good home-stay programs in the respective towns.

“Tourism is a fiercely competitive market,” Davide said adding that Cebu should take advantage of its resources and positioning as a world-known tourism destination both locally and internationally.

Davide saw the need for more accommodation facilities in the countryside area, and that along with the development of home-stay program, LGUs and stakeholders should also make a good tour packages showcasing the diverse tourism attractions in the province.

Each town in Cebu province, has its own distinct attraction, he said adding that promoting Cebu’s heritage and largely involve the residents is one of the effective programs that will be introduced.

In a separate interview with Department of Tourism (DOT-7) regional director Rowena Montecillo, she said that more than the beaches, cultural heritage, shopping and others, Cebu is now moving to intensify its niche in adventure tourism, and other out-door and nature activities either within the urban cities and countryside destinations.

Montecillo said the tourism office is now adding up more activities to offer to the growing number of tourists, and respond to the demand for outdoor events.

She said there are a lot of municipalities in Cebu that offer adventure tourism-related activities like trekking, biking, and zip line, among others.

 While Bohol is known for its attractive eco-tourism and agri-tourism advantage as well as adventure tourism, Cebu is seen to leverage on this, although Cebu is also moving up to develop eco-tourism activities that will go hand in hand with the adventure tourism activities.

According to Montecillo, Cebu’s bid to develop an on eco-tourism advantage will be boosted as the province was chosen to be the venue of the upcoming 5th World Eco-tourism Conference on November this year. /JOB (FREEMAN)