A major tourist draw in Cebu is the beach. (CDN PHOTO/TONEE DESPOJO)
This year is “already looking good” for Cebu’s tourism and hospitality industry, a hotel executive said.
“Cebu as a destination is booming and will be ready for the influx of tourists,” said Julie Najar, president of Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Association of Cebu (HRRAC).
With the opening of four new international flights to Los Angeles, Taipei, Xiamen and Dubai this month, Najar said the hospitality industry expects to start feeling the influx within the year.
Collectively, four- and five-star hotels located in Cebu account for as many as 7,000 rooms.
Including resorts, accommodations with lower star ratings, as well as other types of accommodations available, the number of rooms may go up to as many as 10,000 in the province alone.
“Tourists will definitely have their choice of accommodations. We even expect that there will be a surplus of rooms at one point,” Najar said.
The industry is anticipating the entry of new brands, such as Dusit and Sheraton, as well as more meeting, incentive, conferencing and exhibition (MICE) events.
Cenelyn Manguilimotan, Cebu Parklane International Hotel general manager, said that while the hotel is not expected to post full occupancy this summer, it will host several conferences throughout the year.
Other city hotels are also expected to host similar events.
“Aside from international events, four- to five-star hotels are enjoying good occupancy from businessmen and balikbayans. This is another segment we (city hotels) can look after,” said Najar.
Meanwhile, Najar, who chairs this year’s Tourism Forum as part of the Cebu Business Month (CBM) 2016, said the topics that will be discussed during the forum on June 15-16 include: taking advantage of technology in marketing, the use of social media for public relations, and the Cebu province as a prime tourist destination.
A job fair will be held on June 15, with over 100 tourism-related companies expected to participate.
Melanie Ng, president of Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industries (CCCI), added that in relation to tourism and the promotion of Cebu, a committee from CCCI will be in charge of incorporating Cebu’s brand, “Cebu: Where the Heart Sings,” into all events during CBM.
“For our Cebu brand, which was formally launched last November, we will be focusing on tourism with the Cebu brand team,” she said during yesterday’s 888 News Forum.
At present, marketing and promotional materials as well as a style guide are being formulated and created.
Ng also said that they will be playing the Cebu brand jingle and videos highlighting tourist destinations in the province to further boost Cebu’s presence as a tourist hub.
CBM, now on its 20th year, is a flagship program of CCCI. The theme for this year is “Digital Cebu.”