To further boost Cebu tourism: Gov inks MOA with SMART, InnoPub

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Provincial government has taken the promotion of Cebu’s tourism sector to the next level as it formally signed a memorandum of agreement yesterday with Cebu-based new media startup InnoPub Media for the implementation of digital tourism projects in the province.

The project is part of a nationwide campaign by wireless services leader Smart Communications, Inc. and InnoPub.

This innovation involves the production of mobile applications and e-books that serve as tourism guides to Cebu and its key tourism areas.

As part of the project, interactive tourism markers would also be mounted in tourism circuits in the province.

Markers use quick response  codes and Near Field Communication  chips, which when scanned or tapped with a compatible device, smartphone users will be able to download information about the tourism and historical sites.

Digital tourism is a nationwide campaign by InnoPub Media and SMART which uses technology to deliver tourism, cultural and historical information.

Cebu has been the pioneer of the project which was first launched on September 27, 2013 at the Cabecera de Argao, Cebu. It is also being deployed in the tourism circuit of Boljoon, Oslob, Samboan and Santander.

It was announced during the signing of the MOA yesterday the availability of the Cebu Guide which can be downloaded from the Google Play Store or accessed via http://cebu.myguide.ph for other mobile platforms.

The application contains comprehensive guides for tourists on different places, articles on heritage sites and key historical structures, portable directory of important contact numbers of consulates, emergency facilities, and Department of Tourism-accredited service providers like tour operators and transport services in Cebu.

Davide said the program would help the participants of the ministerial meetings for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit next year.

“Very handy pa gyod. Certainly it could draw more tourists. Especially those nga wa gyod kafamiliar sa Cebu. So dako gyod ni og contribution,” he added.  (FREEMAN)