Tuesday, August 07, 2007 Espina: Linking with Belgium, Japan and China By Mila C. Espina In my diary
CEBU'S relentless bid to link with its Asian neighbors, as well with the other parts of the globe, is successful not only because of the indefatigable promotions ably handled by the Department of Tourism, but also because of the efforts of the diplomatic corps which bring to Cebu significant milestones.
Belgium celebrated its national day at the Waterfront Hotel with no less than Ambassador to the Philippines Gregorie Vardakis and Belgian Consul Enrique and Helen Benedicto in attendance. Ambassador Vardakis lauded Cebu’s active involvement in many Belgium-initiated projects and proudly announced the formation of the Filipino-Belgium Business Club which will coordinate with various business and civic groups in Cebu.
Meanwhile, DOT Secretary Joseph Durano in tandem with Regional Director Dawnie Roa. Usec Phineas Alburo, Usec Edu Jarque, workers in the media and business groups in Cebu brought some visitors from Japan and Shanghai for a taste of our heritage and lifestyle.
The Japanese visitors were in Cebu to shoot some promotional materials for Shukan Bushun, a popular travel magazine. We were at the La Tegola in Busay, a restaurant owned by Alfredo Malasomma who served the visitors delectable pizza and spaghetti. Cebu will be featured in Shukan’s August issue.
Governor Gwendolyn Garcia hosted lunch at the Shangri-La’s Mactan Island Resort & Spa for Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem and other dignitaries from Dubai who were in town to explore the possibilities of investment and industrial partnership. At Hilton, Sultan Sulayem spoke before the members of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Also in Hilton, Singapore Airlines and Silkair had a dinner meeting with the media to introduce new packages. Next day, there was the awarding of top agents and producers at the Marriott Hotel.
Close to some 200 visitors from Shanghai were in Cebu, an indication that Secretary Ace Durano’s goal to target more tourists from China is paying off.
The group visited some landmarks in Cebu and Bohol and had samplings of Filipino and Chinese cuisines.
First philippine international travelmart
The First Philippine International Travelmart reels off at the Cebu International Convention Center where a large number of delegates from Asia, the US and Europe will have trade exhibits and interactive seminars.
This is co-sponsored by National Association of Independent Travel Agencies, and Philippine Travel Mart Foundation.
The East Asian Tourism Forum will be in Changmai, Thailand, Sept.5 to 7 where the Province of Cebu will discuss inter-regional tourism clusters.
