Selling CebuCebu, Central Visayas

Cebu Travel Exchange organizers optimistic of linking tourism industry’s buyers and sellers

Despite the negative publicity the Philippines has been getting lately, organizers of the Cebu Travel Exchange (CTX) are determined to continue promoting Cebu and Central Visayas to the rest of the country as well as to the international community.

Stephanie Villahermosa, executive director at My Eventology Co., organizer of the CTX, admitted that there had been cancellations by international buyers in the past weeks following reports on the siege in Marawi City.

“These are high-profile buyers from long-haul destinations and are very sensitive to what is happening in the Philippines today,” Villahermosa said during the media launch of CTX 2017 on Tuesday.

Huge blows

Philippine tourism suffered a huge blow after members of the Abu Sayyaf Group infiltrated Inabanga town in Bohol in April, the Maute Group took over Marawi City in May, and a gunman set fire to a casino in Resorts World Manila a few days after.

Villahermosa said they lost buyers from the United Kingdom last week, but added that they were determined to push through with the event since they were still getting last-minute registrations.

My Eventology initially invited 105 buyers, 95 of which come from Europe, Southeast Asia, as well as US and Canada, among others, while the remaining 20 are from the Philippines.

But two weeks before the event, only 42 international buyers have confirmed their participation.

“The numbers are still very strong. We continue to be positive in the number of our buyers,” said Villahermosa.

CTX

Slated on July 12 at the Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa, CTX is a business-to-business activity that seeks to link travel agencies, incentive houses, travel planners, and event planners with tour operators, tourism boards, and airlines.

There will be networking, business matching, and fellowship activities.

International buyers will also experience tour packages offered in Cebu and the region such as the Cebu City tour, whaleshark watching in Oslob, Bohol countryside tour, and canyoneering in southern Cebu.

Close to 50 sellers from all over the Philippines have signed up for the one-day event.

Interest to promote

What is still positive about these numbers is that even though they have less buyers than expected, Villahermosa said the interest to promote the Philippines is apparent.

While sponsors will take care of the buyers’ accommodation and tours here, they had to spend for their own air fare, she said.

“This is very significant to see that the interest is there, that they have this desire to promote the Philippines just by coming here,” said Villahermosa.
In 2016, CTX gathered 35 international buyers, 32 local buyers, and 63 local sellers.

Villahermosa said that until now, business is still coming in, with past buyers keeping in touch with local tourism stakeholders.

She added that this goes to show how, despite the negative image about the Philippines reports have created in the last two months, many from the international community still choose to market the country.

“We want to show that all is well and that Philippine tourism will continue to soar,” she said.

Partners

The event is organized in partnership with the Department of Tourism, its attached agency the Tourism Promotions Board, and the city government of Lapu-Lapu.

CTX comes two days before the International Travel Festival set on July 14 to 16 at the Ayala Center Cebu.

Meanwhile, Lapu-Lapu City Tourism Officer Hembler Mendoza said that an estimated 200 tourist police officers would be assigned to secure venues where the CTX would be held.