More tourists seen to visit Cebu
Cebu Daily News
First Posted 14:11:00 06/10/2008
CEBU CITY, Philippines - More tourists are expected to visit Cebu this year attracted by different tourism packages prepared by local government units and the sales mission abroad of the Department of Tourism (DOT), an official said Monday.
International flights are also expected to increase with plans of Continental Airlines that flies to Canada, Latin America, Europe and Asia Pacific regions to open flights in Cebu.
“This is a good development that Continental Airlines is considering Cebu as a destination. If they pursue the plan that would mean we have passed their security tests. They have very high security requirement,” said Patria Roa, tourism regional director.
Roa said accessibility is always a plus factor for Cebu's tourism industry.
At least 75 international and 249 domestic flights arrive at the Mactan International Airport each week.
Roa said “word of mouth” still remains the most effective tool in marketing Cebu as a tourism destination.
During a recent visit to Florida, USA, she was asked about schedules for the Suroy-Suroy sa Sugbu, a leisurely tour of Cebu's beaches and historical landmarks sponsored by the Cebu provincial government.
Inquiries came from people who had heard of the countryside tours from friends who visited Cebu, Roa said.
Visiting foreigners particularly enjoyed the local cuisine, dances and cultural sidelights featured in the Suroy-Suroy. The fiesta-spirit in the presentation of Cebu’s towns makes it a unique tour from other islands in the country, she said. /Reporter Doris C. Bongcac
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