Nalzaro: Tourist complains about pluses in price list

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

CEBU is known as one of country's tourist destinations. We have everything to offer here that other places cannot.

We have first-class beach resorts with complete facilities that are of international standards. That is why Cebu is dubbed as the tourism hub of the country.

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Also, our advantage compared with the other tourist destinations is the easy accessibility of our beautiful beaches and first-class resorts from the metropolis, where big shopping malls are located. If you get bored with the beach, you can go to Cebu City proper for leisure and shopping.

In Metro Manila, one has to drive for several hours to find beaches in the provinces. Here, it would take you only a few minutes. Well, Boracay does have a different environment to offer, but that’s another story.

The good peace and order situation and the hospitality of the Cebuanos are also being considered by visitors who come here. But what about hotel rates and the prices of food?

I received an email from a certain Jan Jansen, a frequent visitor to Cebu, complaining about hidden charges imposed by some hotel and restaurant operators. Here's his letter:

“As a constantly returning tourist in this lovely country, I should be allowed to express my dissatisfaction with the way tourism people are allowing hotels, restaurants, etc. to irregularly price their services and food.

“I must admit that I hate to get stung in the hands by a price list that includes not only one but up to two and three ‘plus’ symbols. Does someone really expect tourists from near and far to know how much each ‘plus’ represents?

“Why not make the experience for us, foreigners, a bit more tourist-friendly, by telling us directly how much we expect to pay? It’s needless for me to have to bring my calculator every time I go to a restaurant to enjoy a meal with my family.

“I must also point out that not all restaurants, through their menus, inform you that the prices will be increased by a ‘plus’ or two. It comes, therefore, as a surprise that instead of paying the quoted price, I will be forced to pay a price that is 10, 15 or 20 percent higher.

“On behalf of all the tourists, I hope that my prayer will be heard!”

I think Mr. Jansen’s observation is very valid. Why won’t hotels, restaurants, etc. tell our guests directly the exact rates and prices of the food and services offered?

We should not assume that all foreigners visiting Cebu have a lot of money. The situation is no different for us when we go to other places. There are those who also try to limit their expenses.

I don't know if our friends from the Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Association of Cebu (HRRAC) can look into this matter.

(bobby@sunstar.com.ph)