Lapu-Lapu holds tourism expo

CEBU, Philippines — Lapu-Lapu City officially opened its five-day Tourism Expo 2026 on Monday, June 15, at the Mahi Center, one of the flagship events of the city’s 65th Charter Day celebration.

Mayor Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” King-Chan, Congressman Junard “Ahong” Chan, and Tourism Officer Gary Lao led the opening ceremony, highlighting the city’s commitment to revitalizing tourism and boosting economic growth. Hotel executives and business leaders were also present at the event.

“Over the next five days, from June 15 to 19, this expo will showcase the finest offerings of our city. Through unique travel perks, staycation promos, and exclusive partnerships, we are making luxury and local heritage accessible to everyone,” King-Chan said in her speech.

The mayor said that 65 years ago, Lapu-Lapu City was a quiet coastal town. Today, it stands as an economic powerhouse, a world-class resort destination, and a global hub for MICE—Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions.

She added that this transformation is the result of deliberate vision, continuous infrastructure development, and high standards in hospitality.

Tourism took center stage as the Tourism Expo 2026 opened with 10 participating exhibitors, including hotels, resorts, souvenir shops, and travel agencies, all offering exclusive deals during the five-day event.

“Our transformation over the decades is the result of deliberate vision, continuous infrastructure development, and an exceptional standard of hospitality that defines Lapu-Lapu City,” King-Chan said.

She also noted that Lapu-Lapu City has evolved into a destination capable of hosting major international summits, global sporting events, and high-level corporate conferences. Last month, the city hosted a meeting of leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

“Tourism remains our bread and butter. It generates thousands of jobs, supports our transport sector, and sustains our local artisans and entrepreneurs,” she added.

King-Chan said the city government has requested the business sector to offer discounts and packages so local tourists can take advantage of them during the Charter Month celebrations.

Meanwhile, Lao said tourism is one of the city’s strongest economic drivers.

“This reflects a simple truth: if the government and the private sector work together, prosperity becomes shared progress,” Lao said.

Congressman Chan, for his part, assured tourism stakeholders of his continued legislative support for policies, programs, and funding initiatives that will further strengthen the tourism industry, as the lone district representative and vice chairperson of the House Committee on Tourism.

“I encourage everyone to visit the expo and take advantage of the exciting travel discounts, staycation deals, tour packages, and special booking promotions offered by participating hotels, resorts, restaurants, travel agencies, and tour operators,” Chan said.

He added that the initiative not only offers new experiences for tourists but also supports local tourism enterprises and workers who depend on the industry.

In an interview, Mayor King-Chan said the Lapu-Lapu City Tourism Expo 2026 aims to help recover tourist arrivals and economic gains affected by the Middle East crisis, while reinforcing the city’s position as a premier tourism and MICE destination.

She compared the current efforts to the COVID-19 pandemic recovery period, when tourism significantly declined.

“Importante kaayo ni nga pareha atong pag COVID pandemic na down kaayo atong tourism so nagbalik turismo ta ato,” King-Chan said, noting that the city government has encouraged stakeholders to lower rates to make travel more affordable for local tourists.

King-Chan also called on the national government to further strengthen tourism development in the country.

“We hope na ang national government nga more pa ang efforts ba. I think ang needed is to lower our rates sa hotels, airfare, visa-free nga dili na kaayo hasol,”  said King-Chan, noting that these are the requests of foreign tourists visiting the island. — (FREEMAN)