WITH Cebu being one of the top destinations in the Philippines, tourism stakeholders were urged to boost their digital processes in terms of presence and accessibility to attract the global market.

Globe myBusiness, the micro, small and medium enterprises arm of Globe Telecom held its Lakbay: Cebu learning session in Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort on Wednesday, May 29, 2019.

“We are aware that there are a lot of tourism businesses such as hotels, restaurants, cafe establishments in the area, which is why we are bringing it here with more relevant topics. We also infused an experiential booth so we can better share how businesses can succeed through digital products and solutions from Globe myBusiness,” said Anne David, marketing head of Globe myBusiness.

Cebu welcomed a total of 5.57 million tourists in 2018, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT) 7.

Central Visayas logged a total of eight million tourists, both local and international guests, contributing some P44.2 billion in tourism receipts.

DOT 7 Director Shahlimar Tamano said digitalization is a must for hotels and resorts especially because customers are already online.

“If half of those eight million posted on their Facebook and Instagram accounts, it is already marketing for Cebu,” he said.

Cleo Santos, sales head for Globe myBusiness, said digital solutions are available for hotel and resorts owners to improve their business operations and attract more from their target markets.

“We also like to help them make perfect destinations given that they’re in the hotel industry. We are here offering free learning sessions for them to improve and to be competitive in this industry,” she said.

Domiku Ugarte, vice presidents for resorts of the Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Association of Cebu Inc., said their organization will welcome more establishments that want to enlist as members.

“It’s a good place for hospitality stakeholders to discuss trends, issues and strategies in making Cebu a world-class destination. We will try to make the tourism industry in Cebu, world-class,” he said. (JOB)