THE Cebu Alliance of Tour Operations Specialists (Catos) expects a boost in culinary tourism with the new tourism secretary’s extensive background in agriculture.
“Cebu will feature prominently, we hope, in the new secretary’s thrust on culinary tours. We eagerly await this,” said Catos president Alice Queblatin.
Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said she will incorporate the knowledge she gained in the Department of Agriculture, where she served as undersecretary.
She said that she has a special interest in local food and promised to give the food industry a boost.
Besides promoting culture, faith, and adventure side of Cebu, Catos is also helping the industry cultivate food tourism as another vehicle to lure more tourists.
The province’s Suroy-Suroy Sugbo is one product that not only boosts the attractions of each town but also showcases the various delicacies of the province.
“The millennials are a hot market for the travel and tourism industry. We are preparing packages that would give our guests the best experience here,” said Queblatin.
With the change of leadership in the DOT, Queblatin said they are not expecting a direct impact on the tourism plans of the region.
“While policy directions come from DOT, the private sector like the tour operators make their individual strategies, targets, marketing programs, product development, and pricing to generate business,” said Queblatin, adding that they too have learned to not be dependent on government to address matters.
“There is strong collaboration of various stakeholders but we look forward to meet the new DOT Secretary, get new insights on what the DOT wants to do in the midst of major tourism crisis like Boracay,” she said. (KOC)