Soar higher, Cebu
The multiawarded Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) celebrated the Cebu Business Month (CBM) with several events, projects, and programs geared at sustaining the tourism growth in Cebu. The month-long celebration with the theme, “Soar Higher Cebu,” gathered industry stakeholders who shared ideas, cutting-edge innovations, services and solutions, and business and investment opportunities aimed at transforming establishments to be globally competitive.
Hosted by Ayala Center Cebu, the event was attended by government officials, members of the diplomatic corp, board of trustees, business sector, civic organizations, and tourism-oriented individuals. One of the well-attended discussions was the “Emerging Industries Forum,” which aimed to promote Cebu as the premier development site for investors in line with the government’s priority programs such as retirement haven, medical tourism and real estate.
The “7th Beauty, Health and Wellness Show,” which broadened the public’s understanding of total wellness, offered fun, entertaining, and creative information and interactive tools that helped consumers build the confidence to make informed decisions to support a healthy lifestyle.,The highlight of the CBM was the Tourism Congress held at the Cebu International Convention Center with Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia as keynote speaker. Resource person Domingo Enerio of the DOT expounded on the strengths and opportunities for promoting the national tourism slogan, “It’s More Fun in the Philippines.”
The assembly also discussed new perspectives and concerns, which will sustain Cebu’s tourism programs. It likewise showcased the initial output of “Serbisyo Eskwela Turismo,” a partnership with the province of Cebu and the academe that will set the standardization of tourism infrastructure and services, and create tour packages in selected municipalities.
The “Tourism Men of the Year” awards were presented to two gentlemen who relentlessly and selflessly pursued their advocacies primarily geared on tourism. These efforts have greatly contributed to the economic development of Cebu. The awardees were Honorary Consul of Latvia Bobby Joseph, founder of the 888 News Forum in Cebu and the Tourism League of Students, which promotes the best practices and culture of tourism and broadens their awareness of its importance in future economic developments; and Jay Aldeguer, CEO of the Island Group of Companies, and a TOYM awardee whose optimism and highly creative mind has built a business empire that has created jobs for thousands of Filipinos.
The culmination of the successful event was the fellowship “Tourism Congress Night” at the Marco Plaza Hotel. Honorary Consul of Spain Jaime Picornell received a plaque of distinction for his exemplary involvement in the arts, culture, tourism and media practice over the past 50 years.
Mila Espina, chair of CCCI tourism; Tess Chan, chair CBM tourism; and Prudencion Gesta, president of CCCI; did a great job and offered all participants at the congress a fruitful and memorable tourism oriented experience.
