Cebu countryside tourism needs good roads to sites

The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) is working closely with the Capitol to help develop the province’s countryside through tourism.

However, serious repair is needed in basic infrastructure like roads leading to tourist sites,  said CCCI president Ma. Teresa Chan.

“We think that is the first priority before we can intensify promotion. It should be given an extra push especially  since domestic and international travelers are now more interested in exploring  eco-tourism,” said Chan.

Capitol officials have  already identified ecotourism sites around the province and promote  them but  how to bring tourists there will be a challenge  if roads are not in good condition, she said.

She said  CCCI will also initiate programs that will highlight the promotion of tourism spots and emerging destinations in northern Cebu, which is still recovering after the devastation of supertyphoon Yolanda in 2013.

Occular visits to south Cebu were recently were led by the Hotel, Resorts and Restaurant Association of Cebu (HRRAC) to check  new facilities and destinations with  solid  potential.

“Eco-tourism is one of the products the region can boast of,” said DOT-7 Regional Director Rowena Montecillo said the sites will be promoted during travel fairs.

“It is one of the best ways we see of helping municipalities maximize their advantage.”

Gov. Hilario Davide III earlier said his administration is developing   community-based tourism as one of its main thrusts through programs like the Suroy Suroy  tourism caravan.

“Tourism is a fiercely competitive market,” Davide said.

He said Cebu should take advantage of its natural  resources and positioning as a world-known tourism destination.

Each  town  has its own distinct attraction and promoting Cebu’s heritage and involving the community is one of the most effective programs to introduce, he said.He said the provincial government will help rovide the right infrastructure and technical support.

Davide said that towns will also be encouraged to set up  home-stay programs.

“As an advocacy group, CCCI will assist the province in promoting countryside tourism, at the same time, pressure the government to fix infrastructure especially road network going to the sites,” said Chan.