For the UK market tour operators assure tourism capabilities of Cebu, Bohol

CEBU, Philippines - Tourism industry players in the United Kingdom remain bullish that the Philippines will take a brighter spotlight as an ideal tourist destination for the European market despite the recent calamities that successively hit the country, particularly the Visayas region.

Funway product administration manager Malcolm Davies said that even with the series of calamities that recently struck the country, the Philippines remains as a suitable destination for UK tourists given its infrastructure, international airport, accessibility, quality of accommodation, fluency in the English language of the Filipinos, hospitality, entertainment and food.

Davies's company was one of the UK tour operators and travel agents which had a familiarization tour in Cebu and Bohol last week.

"We personally noticed the change. The effect of the tragedies has brought about high publicity for the Philippines with the tremendous goodwill from foreign countries," he said.

He shared that they received a lot of inquiries from Europeans who wish to come around after the tragedies in the Philippines.

Davies said that they themselves could reassure interested UK travelers that the Philippines is already good and safe to visit. He said that they expressed concern on the supply of electricity and water especially in the calamity-stricken areas.

"Our trip is completely fantastic. We can speak for ourselves that everything is fine here," he said.

Davies cited that 10 travel operators and most of  the 3,000 travel agencies in UK are currently endorsing and will further recommend the Philippines as a tourist destination.

He shared that Cebu and Bohol, which he dubbed as "twincentral," are interconnected but are unique in features. He said that Cebu mostly caters to the high-end and modern market while Bohol boasts of  its eco-tourism and beaches.

Department of Tourism Central Visayas Director Rowena Montecillo said that the visit made by UK travel operators is a good sign of encouraging more Europeans to come and visit the country that is already on its way to recovery.

She said that they will be working on the assessment of  several dive sites and sanctuaries especially in Bantayan and Malapascua islands. They are also closely coordinating with the Department of Energy to fast track the restoration of power in quake-hit areas in Bohol.

She also urged shipping companies which have been doing humanitarian trips recently to start servicing more regular tourists from Cebu to Tagbilaran starting this week.

"Destinations might suffer if they won't immediately respond," she said.

Montecillo said that European tourists usually prefer culture, history, shopping and eco-tourism when visiting a travel destination and added that Bohol and Cebu would be one of the top choices in the country for such market.

She added that other tourism organizations across the world continue to show support to the Philippines by promoting it in the global market.

She further expressed hope that the tourist arrivals from Europe will further increase as the flag carrier Philippine Airlines resumed its commercial direct flights to Europe for the first time in 15 years in London last November 4.

It  now flies five times a week from Manila to London via the Heathrow airport. PAL also plans to fly to Amsterdam, Paris and Rome next year. Frankfurt in Germany will also be included in PAL's European destination list.

Peacock Travel and Tours UK manager Keith Lloyd said that Filipinos need to think the right perspective and rebuild the country as an ideal tourist destination amid the recent calamities.

"The tragedies should not affect the tourism industry of the country. The Philippines has a lot to offer," he said.

Lloyd said that UK tourists are considered to be long-staying and high-spending tourist. A typical tourist stays at an average of 10 to 12 days for vacation and spends about 1,500 to 2,000 British pounds a week.

UK freelance journalist Gary Noakes noted that the recent tragedies have put the Philippines on the high profile despite the negative publicity portrayed in the last few months.

"The calamities, especially the typhoon, have put the Philippines in the map of UK. It turned out to be positive as more people across the globe come to help the country," he said.

Noakes has been in the field of journalism for almost 20 years and he said that it is his first time to visit the Philippines. He shared that he plans to write about the familiarization tour in the tropical country, citing how UK tourists can get there easily and what possible tourist spots they could visit.

"Aid is good, business is better," said Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd. key account manager Keith Harrison, adding that the airline company also caters flights from London via Hongkong to Manila.

Meanwhile, Movenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu General Manager Knuth Kiefer said that even with the long haul flight, tourists who arrive in Cebu always get impressed with the unique features of the province as a beach get away and city life destination.

He admitted that the hotel industry experienced cancellations after the recent calamities but said that this is expected as a natural response since people may get uncomfortable at first until proven that the place is already safe. /JMD (FREEMAN)