CV tourist arrivals up 8%

CEBU - The Department of Tourism announced an eight-percent growth rate in foreign tourist arrivals for the first six months of this year for Region 7. It is even higher than the national average increase of seven percent for the same period, Tourism officials said.

As the 6th World Tourism Organization International Tourism Forum takes place on October 22 to 25, DOT Undersecretary Phineas Alburo said the event should be taken as an opportunity to showcase what Cebu has to offer to foreign visitors.

Alburo said they must be able to promote Cebu not just as an ideal place for international conferences but also the perfect place for a vacation.

He said tourism industry in the region particularly in Cebu promises a brighter future especially as he has already advised local government units to improve cleanliness as well as beautification efforts.

Alburo said that Cebu has been a favorite tourist destination among foreign visitors because of its hospitable and friendly people, natural and man-made attractions, accessibility, support of the LGUs in promoting tourism, and a favorable peace and order climate.

Although he failed to give any specific figures, he said that 62 percent of the foreign tourist arrivals for the first semester are mostly repeat visitors, implying satisfaction with their previous visit.

Alburo said they aim to make tourists satisfied as they will be promoters of the country to their relatives and friends when they go back home.

Despite the global economic crisis, Alburo said they are optimistic that foreign tourism will not decline since the country caters to mixed groups of tourist and most of them are from Asia. Alburo said the decline is in the number of visiting balikbayans and Americans.

The global economic crisis will be discussed during the tourism forum. It will also tackle how tourism industry will cope and minimize the impact of the crisis.

Alburo added that next year, the opening of the 600-room Imperial Palace Hotel in Mactan will mean more employment and more tourists visiting Cebu. –Jessica Ann R. Pareja/BRP (THE FREEMAN)