Regulate Camotes’ tourism growth, government urged

With Camotes Islands getting special mention by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine, the government should draft a master plan to regulate its growth, a top Cebu City tourism official said yesterday.

“The government should protect and preserve the islands by creating a master plan in line with regulating its growth.

The Bukilat Cave in Tudela Town, Camotes Island has local and foreign tourists wonderstruck during the province’s Suroy-Suroy sa Sugbo tours.

There should be regulations or ordinances in place so that it does not end up like Boracay and Mactan,” Cebu City Tourism Council chairperson Tetta Baad said.

Boracay and Mactan have become highly commercialized. Both now have busy streets and host resorts with large buildings.

Baad warned that Camotes Islands may also become highly commercialized, killing its “island charm.”

“There is a model to be aware of. There should be a template of what needs to be done and what needs to be avoided when a certain destination becomes famous. Our government should not look at progress alone,” she added.

Baad said Cebu, in general, still has that island charm because of the culture and history residing within its walls.

“Cebu is doubly attractive to travelers who want a good adventure because it is a gateway to nearby islands where tourists can engage in various adventure activities. Ranked 19th out of other islands all over the world, this is very good for Cebu. We actually increased in ranking,” she said.

Cebu was listed 19th best island destination in the world in the 2015 Annual Readers’ Choice Awards of Conde Nast.
The magazine also encouraged readers to go to Camotes Islands for a “true taste of island life.”

The Bukilat Cave in Tudela Town, Camotes Island has local and foreign tourists wonderstruck during the province’s Suroy-Suroy sa Sugbo tours.

Baad clarified that Cebu didn’t fall from the 3rd spot in 2013 to 19th this year.

In 2013, the list that placed Cebu in 3rd place was for the best island destinations in Asia.

Baad said unless Cebu increases its capacity to accommodate tourists, improves the quality of its restaurants and other culinary venues and work on its infrastructure, the province may very well slip down the ranks.

“The whole stretch of Cebu offers beautiful beaches. What needs to be done is to improve access to our islands, to be able to bring tourists to these areas. There should be a collective effort from tourism stakeholders toward this goal,” Baad told Cebu Daily News.