CanCham initiates confab for wellness, med tourism

CEBU, Philippines - The Canadian Chamber of commerce of the Philippines (CanCham-Cebu Chapter) is inviting Cebu-based businesses that are into wellness, retirement properties and medical tourism to join the upcoming convention on November 16 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

CanCham-Cebu president Felix Tiukinhoy encouraged Cebuano businesses in these particular fields to exploit the opportunity of forging alliances with Canadian traders, at the same time be updated with the trends and culture of the Canadian market.

Tiukinhoy said the conference dubbed "Philippine Retirement, Medical and Wellness Tourism" will highlight the country's global competitive advantage in tourism, retirement, wellness and medical travel.

It is also an avenue for promoting the Philippines as an alternative destination for retirement as well as a topnotch choice for medical travel, health and wellness tourism.

"We are expecting guests from both international and local chambers of commerce and business associations, mostly CEOs , presidents, entrepreneurs, and their top executives to attend the conference," said Tiukinhoy adding that similar event will also be held in Manila on November 14, 2016.

Recently, Tiukinhoy announced that it is taking a stronger stance in pushing advocacies to help Cebuano businesses gain easier access to Canadian market.

Significantly, Tiukinhoy said that concerns in medical tourism, retirement properties and educational exchanges, among others, are being worked on now by the newly organized CanCham Council.

According to Tiukinhoy, Canada has become one of the important markets for Cebuano traders across industries, and it is timely for the local chapter to craft its own advocacy that will address the local-centric issues.

Last year, ChamCham-Cebu joined a trade mission organized by the national Canadaian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines office in a trade mission to Canada.

According to Tiukinhoy Cebu has been able to carve its name as the ideal site for retirement among Canadians and Filipino-Canadians.

The standard upgrading done by hospitals in Cebu is a big plus why Cebu is becoming competitive as an alternative retirement destination.  (FREEMAN)