TO REVIVE Cebu City’s tourism industry, the Cebu City Tourism Commission is identifying sites in various barangays to be promoted as tourist spots.
Tourism Commissioner Jocelyn Pesquera said the City aims to boost tourism in mountain barangays, which offer a number of possible tourist spots.
The commission is currently inspecting waterfalls in Barangays Budlaan and Tagba-o.
Pesquera said the commission, in coordination with various government agencies, targets to introduce canyoneering in Tagba-o.
“The falls are viable for tourism,” said Pesquera.
The commission, though, is prioritizing safety should a number of visitors go to the area, she said.
She said structures have to be in place to ensure the spot is suitable for tourists like restrooms and further improvement of safety measures.
The two waterfalls have been open to the public.
“Only a few are familiar with these places. Mostly they are the residents of these barangays, too,” Pesquera said.
Pesquera advised those who plan to visit the waterfalls to coordinate with the barangays so they will be guided.
The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office has been training tourist guides.
She said they are also promoting flower gardens like the one in Barangay Sirao.
The commission’s tourism program in the mountain barangays is called the Highland Blooms and Eco Tourism.
Pesquera said locals are the ones driving tourism now amid the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. She encouraged the public who visit tourist spots to observe health protocols.
“This time we are relying on the locals. And we encourage people to go outdoors to improve their mental health,” said Pesquera.
Cebu City is under modified general community quarantine, which allows the tourism industry to operate. (JJL)