The Lapu-Lapu City Tourism Office and the city’s tourism stakeholders gathered starting yesterday for a three-day tourism expo aim to boost Mactan Island’s tourism industry.
The tourism stakeholders in Lapu-Lapu City wanted to find ways to promote their products and services after losing millions of pesos due to cancellation of bookings in the past moths as a result of adverse travel advisories resulting from the foiled attempt of the Abu Sayaff group to set up base in Bohol province last April, and the just-concluded siege of Marawi City perpetrated by Islamic State-inspired Maute group.
The tourism stakeholders–hotels, resorts, restaurants, souvenir shops, island hopping services, water recreational facilities, travel agencies, airline companies, transport companies, pasalubong and flower shops, among others–are now displaying their products and services at Island Central Mall in Barangay Pusok, which offered them an expo space for free.
Companies that join the expo will be offering special discounted rates of their products and services to both walk-in and online guests. There will also be an entertainment at the mall showcasing cultural presentations and local talents such as bands.
A highlight of the event will be the search for Mr. and Miss Tourism Expo, participated by representatives from companies in the tourism industry. Other contests include best in beach wear and Filipiniana searches; cosplay, Dota tournament battle, Mobile Legends, and ukelele play competitions.
The more than 40 participants of the tourism expo will have their booths inside the mall and will also offer free and very affordable food from resorts, hotels and restaurants operating on Mactan Island.
Lapu-Lapu City Tourism Officer Hembler Mendoza, in a press conference yesterday, said they will make the tourism expo a regular event in the city.
“After learning from the tourism stakeholders their concerns particularly the cancellation of bookings from tourists brought by the peace and order status of the country, we have agreed to create events where they can promote their products and services,” said Mendoza.