Explore Cebu via tourism caravans

Suroy Suroy Sugbo," a test program that encourages domestic visitors and foreign tourists to tour the provinces over three weekends in a caravan, is certainly one of the highlights of the annual Cebu Business Month celebration of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The participants will experience the traditional Cebuano warm welcome and gracious hospitality, the opportunity to explore historical sites and join in cultural events.

Up north, in addition to the city of Danao, the quaint towns to be visited include Sogod, Hagnaya, Sta. Fe, Bantayan, Madridejos, Daanbantayan and Catmon.

The southern trail will showcase imposing Augustinian stone churches along the coastline towns of Argao, Dalaguete, Boljoon and Santander, the Jacob’s Ladder in Samboan, the beaches of Badian, orchid farm in Moalboal, Dumanjug, Barili and the century-old houses of Carcar.

A special overnight discovery tour to the nearby island of Camotes via ferry will likewise be offered at affordable prices. The activities include an excursion to Lake Danao, a cultural presentation and the chance to frolic in the white beaches the area is fast becoming famous for.

"Suroy Suroy Sugbo" encourages the destinations along the route to develop their own tourism potentials by identifying natural attractions and historical landmarks, enhancing homegrown products and delicacies, and possible business linkages and joint ventures.

The project, which is subsidized by the provincial government of Cebu through Governor Gwen Garcia, will also mount photo exhibits focusing other sites of interest that are not included in the present overnight packages due to distance and time constraints.

All tour packages are inclusive of transfers and transportation, accommodations and meals. So, hurry and join the bandwagon, and explore the beautiful island of Cebu and Camotes.

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The "I Love Philippines, Biyahe Na," a yearlong domestic travel advocacy campaign of the Department of Tourism in partnership with Smart Communications Philippines, formally opened its booth at the SM City Cebu ground level recently with Tourism Secretary Ace Durano, DOT Region VII director Dawnie Roa, Cebu provincial board member Agnes Magpale and Smart Communications’ Ricky Isla as guests of honor.

Aimed to inspire, love and pride, and revive patriotic fervor among the Filipinos traveling around our islands, it is hoped to activate more domestic tourism, thus creating more jobs and livelihood projects more so in the provinces.

Biyahe na!