Cebu hosts “Outdoors7 Summit”

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu recently hosted the Outdoors7 Summit 2024, an annual event organized by the Department of Tourism Central Visayas (DOT-7) to bolster the region’s reputation as a premier destination for adventure tourism.

Held from November 20 to 24 at Ayala Malls Central Bloc and Seda Central Bloc in Cebu I.T. Park, the summit brought together stakeholders, enthusiasts, and industry leaders to explore opportunities in sustainable and safe outdoor tourism.

Now a key fixture in the adventure tourism calendar, Outdoors7 has grown significantly since its inception in 2021 as a regional initiative. The four-day event featured forums, exhibitions, and business exchanges designed to enhance safety protocols, promote sustainability, and drive innovation in the sector.

With the theme “Elevating Visitor Safety and Risk Management in Outdoor Adventures in Central Visayas,” this year’s summit focused on positioning the region as a global hub for adventure tourism.

The summit showcased cutting-edge outdoor gear, innovative adventure packages, and interactive demonstrations, giving visitors a firsthand look at the region’s unique offerings.

Highlights of the summit included: Forums and Knowledge Sharing: “Take Me OUTDOORS!” featured experienced adventurers sharing insights on mountain climbing, kayaking, biking, and sailing;  A technical forum on “Tourist Safety for On-Site Outdoor Outfitters, Community Guides, and Tour Operators,” provided best practices in risk management, led by experts like Randy Salazar of Philippine Adventure Consultants and Shio Cortes of Survival and Outdoor Skills Cebu;  The advocacy forum “Take it OUTDOORS!: Nurture by Nature and Outdoor Education” explored the physical, mental, and social benefits of nature-based lifestyles; and  Educational Initiatives.

The summit concluded with the Josenian Tourism Congress at the University of San Jose-Recoletos, emphasizing community empowerment and nature-focused tourism education.

DOT-7 Assistant Regional Director and Outdoors7 focal person, Gelena Asis-Dimpas, underscored the summit’s importance in promoting Central Visayas’ natural assets while empowering local tourism operators.

“As we empower communities and refine safety standards, we’re not only unlocking the economic potential of adventure tourism but also spotlighting its lifestyle advantages,” she said.

The “Outdoors7 Summit 2024” not only elevated Central Visayas as a leading adventure destination but also reinforced its commitment to safety, sustainability, and community-driven growth in the tourism sector.