DOT-7: Series of robberies not at alarming level yet

The Department of Tourism in Central Visayas is not alarmed by recent series of robberies in Cebu City as well as shooting incidents in other parts in Metro Cebu.

DOT-7 director Patria Aurora Roa said that the incidents have not elevated into an alarming level that would put off tourists from coming to Cebu.

"Snatching and theft also happens in other countries, so this is normal," Roa said adding that, "what is alarming is when crimes are committed against tourists."

Roa said she still has confidence the police is able to virtually control the crime situation in the island of Cebu.

In fact Roa reported that an increase of 80 percent in tourist traffic in the region last year predominated by Cebu acknowledges the province's image of being the country's favorite tourism destination.

Roa in the recent 888 News Forum at the Marco Polo Plaza said that tourists, foreign and domestic alike, continue to flock to Cebu to unwind and have a relaxing vacation.

With the success of the 12th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, the province embarks on an additional model of being promoted as an international conference site with the construction of the Cebu International Convention Center, according to Roa.

Tourism Secretary Joseph "Ace" Durano has promised local officials that he will help promote Cebu as an international convention haven.

True to his word, the DOT has booked the CICC for six major tourism events for this year, Roa said.

The DOT events include the Kalakbay Award normally done either at the Malacañang Palace or the Philippine International Convention Center in Manila, Travel Exchange, Tourism Jobs Fair scheduled on March 28-31 and the Philippine Travel Mart, usually held at the Mega Mall in Ortigas, Manila.

Roa added that there are also foreign and local private organizers that have signified interest in using the CICC, with some who have actually made the bookings already.

The CICC, jointly owned by the Cebu Provincial government and the Mandaue City government, has an interim management board appointed by both local government units to draft the policies and the protocol for the use of the CICC. - Gregg M. Rubio /MEEV