With APEC, Cebu cements reputation as convention hub

Jose: Benefits of hosting APEC outweigh costs, inconvenience

Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Charles Jose (right) in a press conference says APEC meetings showcase Cebu’s value as a destination for international meetings. (APEC 2015 PHOTOS)

By hosting Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings, Cebu has solidified its reputation as a prime hub for trade and conventions.

Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Charles C. Jose, spokesman of APEC 2015, said Cebu “is doing very well” as a host and is becoming known as a destination for international meetings.

“In terms of hosting, I think Cebu is up there,” Jose said in a press conference at the APEC 2015 International Media Center yesterday.

He said Cebu’s hosting of over 100 APEC meetings has created jobs, boosted tourism activities, and increased revenues of hotels, restaurants, retail establishments and other support industries.

In the long term, he said the interest generated by APEC would translate to more investments and tourist arrivals in Cebu.

These benefits, which may not be felt immediately, outweigh the cost of hosting the meetings and the inconvenience caused by the rerouting of public transportation and extended truck ban hours.

Nonetheless, Jose asked those affected for patience and understanding.

“As local officials have already explained, these changes are necessary to decongest the delegates’ routes as they travel between meeting venues. We recognize that these changes have consequences for local businesses as well as residents’ everyday lives, but we also wish to emphasize that Cebu stands to reap many benefits from this hosting,” he said.

SAFETY

Jose also reminded  delegates to observe safety measures. Those who wish to avail of tour packages are asked to register at information desks set up in  accredited hotels. If they wish to go off on their own, they are asked to leave their itineraries with accredited personnel.

“We encourage our visitors to explore the natural beauty of Cebu and its neighboring islands, but at the same time we ask that they undergo proper registration because we want to minimize the risk of possible difficulties,” Jose said.

He issued the appeal after some delegates went to Bohol on their own.

The  Department of Tourism (DOT) regional office said APEC delegates have availed of 49 tour packages within and outside Cebu, including a city tour that takes delegates to heritage sites, earning about P300,000 in revenues.

TOURISM

Jose said this has boosted tourism in Cebu and allowed farmers and other suppliers to earn extra income.

He said having the meetings here “comes at an opportune time, as the island province is solidifying its reputation as a prime regional center for trade, development, and innovation.”

Hosting APEC has also helped Cebu improve the quality of its products and services, “aligning them with international standards in preparation for other future events,” Jose added.

He said it was a very easy decision to hold the Third Senior Officials Meeting (SOM3) and Related Meetings as well as the ministerial meetings on structural reforms and finance in Cebu.

“The willingness of the people to go the extra mile for guests is representative of the Cebuano culture and people, who are known for being accommodating and hospitable,” he said.

This openness bodes well for Cebu’s development prospects, he added.