Innovation in tourism product offers pushed

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu tourism stakeholders are called to introduce more innovations in product offerings to further perk up tourists’ interest around the world.

Central Visayas Regional Development Council co-chairman and world renowned industrial designer Kenneth Cobonpue said there is a need to employ innovation in the tourism offerings such as lechon and the banner festival Sinulog.

While Cebu is gaining its position as preferred tourist destinations around the world, it has to introduce tweaks on its tourist drawers.

Lechon for instance should be given fresher twists, aside from its traditional presentation and dining experience. Innovation and creativity will play crucial role in constantly offering “something new” to an old product.

Sinulog, which is the mother of all festivals in the province and the country, should also be presented in a more exciting way, to put reasons for tourists locals and foreigners alike to come back.

Meanwhile, Alice Queblatin, president of Cebu  Alliance of Tour Operations Specialists (CATOS) already announced that Cebu-based tour specialists are up to offer fresher, and more exciting tour packages to extend length of stay of tourists, and catching up with the influx of more foreign travelers following the opening of new airport.

Giving more reasons for tourists to stay longer involves a great deal of freshening Cebu’s image to tourists, Queblatin said.

"The challenge of Cebu right now is we are a mono destination," Queblatin said adding that in order to change this impression, more attractions, activities, destinations will be added to make the Cebu experience much more memorable.

Cebu is predominantly known for beaches, culture and heritage. Queblatin said this image will slowly change as Cebu will introduce a more diverse offerings, from beaches, urban lifestyle, to mountains and rural attractions, farm and faith tourism, culinary and wellness packages, among others.

She reiterated that that tour packages will move from a mere sight-seeing, to immersions, experiential and interactive activities.

Cobonpue urged stakeholders to be pro-active in giving Cebu a more exciting and fresher image to tourists through innovations.