HRRACI-led online travel sale draws more participants

CEBU, Philippines — The Hotel, Resort & Restaurant Association of Cebu, Inc. (HRRACI) unveiled the  50 establishments participating in this year’s Online Travel Sale as part of the “I Love Cebu” campaign, in a media huddle held June 10 at the Executive Club Lounge of bai Hotel Cebu.

Slated on June 14-17 and returning on June 28-30, 2024, the Online Travel Sale will offer e-vouchers for purchase from the participating hotels through the dedicated booking platform Traveloco at traveloco.ph.

The process promises a seamless experience, with e-vouchers promptly delivered to the purchasers’ email addresses. Accepted payment methods include Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Debit, PayMaya, GCash, ShopeePay, and GrabPay.

In a collaborative effort with the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) and the Department of Tourism, HRRACI is gearing up for this event to coincide with Cebu Business Month.

HRRACI President Alfred Reyes emphasized the significance of this online approach, with the number of participating establishments increasing from the usual 25-30 to an impressive 50. Notably, renowned hotels such as Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu, Jpark Island Resort & Waterpark Mactan, Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu Resort, Crimson Resort & Spa Mactan, and more are part of this lineup.

While certain closed-out dates apply, like New Year on January 1, 2025, and Sinulog on January 19, 2025, the Online Travel Sale promises enticing discounts on accommodations and attractive deals on food and beverages. Participating establishments will pay a commission rate of 7% per successful transaction, inclusive of bank fees.

The shift to an online platform not only enhances convenience for local and national guests but also broadens the market reach for participating establishments.

Reyes highlighted the global reach of the event, stating, “Now by putting this travel sale… it gives the benefit to mostly of the participating establishments. Not just only capturing the Cebu market but also [expanding to] a worldwide market.”

Furthermore, the availability of this service online ensures convenience for individuals of all nationalities, as it is easily accessible at their “fingertips,” eliminating the need to concern themselves with the physical location of the travel sale.

The strategic timing of the sale in June enables guests to plan their vacations, eliminating any last-minute rushes, especially as the festive season approaches the end of the year. Early planning is emphasized by Reyes, ensuring guests to enjoy a stress-free and memorable vacation experience.  — Renee Ross Villariasa (FREEMAN)