Upbeat, fast-moving tourism seen in 2015

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu tourism players foresee unimaginable opportunities in the tourism sector in the year 2015, however both the government and the private sector needs to react promptly through policies, programs, and actions to maximize such potential.

The scheduled international MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibition) events such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, Visit Philippines, and other events in the Philippines that have yet to be announced, are just few of the indications of a much busier tourism year.

The upward movement of tourism in Cebu is "uncompromisable", if Cebu will not be able to ride with it, then "there must be something about us," said Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Association of Cebu president Cenelyn Manguilimotan.

The year 2015 is also seen as a transformative year for tourism that needs to be given utmost attention. Concerns that carry negative impact to the sector’s growth should be deemed an “emergency case” and must be dealt with promptly. There should be no room for delays, or else Cebu will miss tourism’s “golden ride.”        

"Cebu's magic is tourism. If only authorities realized this. We should have a focus and unified program that will pull up  our tourism potential and its ability to drive up revenues across the entire province," said Cebu Business Club president Gordon Alan "Dondi" Joseph.

"We are missing the tourism boat. Has anyone studied how tourism can spur the economy?," said Joseph.

"Cebu has to decide what its real strategy is. It cannot be both. Pushing manufacturing is good but it should be something that has a tourism angle," Joseph added.

“Cebu should have a clear-cut direction. Mactan for instance is becoming a mixed-use destination. No tourist would love to visit a supposed tourism haven and yet there are factories on the sides,” Joseph said.

"Cebu has very strong potential," said Joseph adding that 2015 is a defining year for Cebu to prove its ability in handling the irresistible tourism opportunities.

While the golden chances for tourism are apparent, tourism capitalist Jay Aldeguer warned stakeholders to be prepared for possible setbacks as the environment is becoming more "unpredictable."

"It’s hard to predict these days. So many factors to consider," Aldeguer said.

Lifestyle change, weather pattern, strong influence of social media, erratic buying habit change, puzzling traveling trends, are just few of the possible mishaps in tourism that need to be prepared for by stakeholders.

Setting everything aside, Aldeguer is confident Cebu will have a stellar performance for tourism in 2015.

"The momentum is on our side. The spotlight again is here. International brands are here. New resorts are coming in. If only we can harness the momentum," said Aldeguer.

Undoubtedly, there are overwhelming opportunities, but Aldeguer stressed it is crucial for Cebu to identify the problems and make swift solutions.

"We should take care of our traffic problem. Fix infrastructure because Cebu is going too fast. Inflation should be managed well. Cebu is becoming expensive,” he said.

Local players should also see the tourism opportunities in their own front yard and grab it right away, before foreign capitalists could catch the "magic spell."

Network of Independent Travel Associations  president Robert Lim Joseph, likewise believes that 2015 will bring in a high speeding move of tourism in the Philippines.

Lim Joseph acknowledged the programs being implemented by the government and the active stance of the private sector to promote the country, particularly in involving all Filipinos across all ages and status to support the “It’s More Fun in the Philippines,” slogan.

He cited that for the first time, in all of his travels abroad and tourism related conferences he attended overseas that he heard everybody talking about the Philippines' promotional slogan.

In terms of infrastructure, the Philippines is moving up, though slowly, but at least "there is a movement."

Lim Joseph mentioned about the big tourism development for Cebu particularly the entry of a new airport management that will transform the Mactan International Airport into a world-class facility.

Department of Tourism-7 regional director Rowena Montecillo said the entire tourism sector in the Philippines should brace for a hyper-active 2015 year for tourism.

The "Visit Philippines" program that will be implemented in the early part of the year will bolster the sector's promising journey, along with other tourism related programs that will be introduced as well as the infusion of fresh capital for tourism facilities across the country.

The whole-year round events punctuated by APEC will make 2015 the best MICE year ever for the Philippines, and will provide high-yielding tourism receipts for the country in general.

Players believe that the full implementation of the ASEAN integration in 2015 will all the more expand the tourism activities, as free-movement movement of people, attractive inter-country destination packages within the ASEAN will be introduced. (FREEMAN)