Capitol eyes expansion of travel fair

CEBU, Philippines — After the "success" of Cebu Journeys, the provincial government is eyeing to bring the next travel fair outside the Capitol compound.

Provincial Tourism Officer Joselito Costas said the event had exceeded their expectations.

He said that a bigger venue and a longer running time can expand their reach.

Cebu Journeys is a gathering of tourism stakeholders from the cities and towns of Cebu, who promote their products and destinations.

The three-day affair was open freely to the public from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. until yesterday.

Costas clarified that all LGUs under Cebu Province were invited but only 23 of 51 responded and participated.

Within the Capitol Social Hall, each participating LGU was provided a booth made up of organic materials such as wood and weaved mats which were formed like an arch.

The PTO said that it is inspired by the sea waves and the Filipino “kubo.” Each booth displays visuals of their destinations and sells local products. Discounted tour packages and hotel accommodation were also included.

This year, visitors were mostly travel enthusiasts, students, and locals nearby. Each of them was given a map of Cebu which highlights the tourist sites and what activities can be done on the island.

At the dome, a panoramic view of the destinations can be experienced.  LED screens measuring about seven feet high strategically surrounded the Capitol dome and played videos of Cebu’s sites for adventure, culture, marine, and ecotourism.

Costas added that they even earned over P120,000 in the first two days. The local products exhibited, especially local delicacies and new additions, were the most purchased offerings.

Tuburan town, for instance, sold their local coffee products and other ‘kakanin’ like budbud kabog.

Tourism Officer Christine Mae Borja said that they have earned at least P5,000 in a day at the event. Surprisingly, she said, there were also individuals who asked for their contact details and ordered in bulk. The earnings will be turned over to the producers of the product.

Costas explained that the event is a venue for tour operators, destination managers, and travel enthusiasts to be gathered all together and make business connections. Through this, the sustainability of the tourism sector in the province can be reinforced.

Furthermore, he encouraged the LGUs, which were not able to join, to take part next year.

“Maybe wala sila moapil kay dili pa kaayo sila tourism-ready but this could be an opportunity for them to jumpstart the exposure of their own tourism products,” he said.

He added that Cebu has become more popular after the closure of Boracay.

He urged the tourism sector to take advantage of this opportunity and level up the offerings of the island.

With about 2,000 guests this year, the PTO hopes to reach more, if the plan to bring the travel fair outside the Capitol walls be pushed through next year. — GAN (FREEMAN)