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Monday, October 31, 2005
Capitol plans tourism seals
The Cebu Provincial Government has come up with an award system to “set a standard of excellence” for tourism facilities, considering the projected increase in the number of tourists in Cebu.
Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia met with local officials and private stakeholders from the tourism sector to discuss the plan.
Operators of hotels, resorts and other facilities attended the gathering.
“The President paid us the supreme complement of calling Cebu a strong island, a model and a showcase of what the Philippines can be,” Garcia said.
“And this can’t be done alone by government. As we try to attract tourists, we need the help of resort owners where our tourists will stay,” she added.
Tourism Central Visayas Director Patria Aurora Roa and Provincial Board Member Agnes Magpale are two of the prime movers of this committee.
Arroyo, in a visit to Cebu last Wednesday, said Cebu will bring in 75 percent of the expected 2.7 million foreign tourists to the country this year.
But a capacity study by the Department of Tourism showed that the country needs 20,000 more rooms to accommodate all tourists coming to four major destinations, including Cebu.
With Cebu’s progress, Garcia sees Cebu as “a bright, united and undivided beacon of hope” for the country.
The Capitol created an appraisal committee, whose members were recommended by the committee on tourism and the Cebu Provincial Tourism and Heritage Council.
The committee will then develop the criteria for the appraisal and identify the different establishments in the different cities and towns of Cebu.
Committee members will then conduct an inspection to evaluate and recommend establishments for what the Capitol will call its “seal of approval.”
“As they see what we have to offer, hopefully they will go back to their own homes speaking highly of Cebu,” said Garcia.
The “seal of approval” was presented Friday before Cebu’s mayors, tourism officers and other officials.
The idea is to give the seal to “small facilities” for tourism that are not yet accredited by the Department of Tourism.
“This seal shall serve as the prestigious symbol of quality and excellent standard awarded only to those who will qualify,” according to the plan.
Seal of approval
The appraisal committee, after recommending the award of the seal to deserving establishments, will conduct periodic monitoring and inspection of the establishments.
Earlier this year, the Cebu Tourism Core Group of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry said it envisioned getting five million tourists each year, starting 2010, into “Cebu Plus.”
“Cebu Plus” incorporates 15 tourism clusters that are within a few hours’ travel from Cebu City.
For this vision to succeed, several factors were identified, including infrastructure, accessibility, safety, activities and “a culture of tourism.” (JPM)
(October 31, 2005 issue)
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