Espina: 15th CBM tourism confab goes green
TOURISM has always been a major thrust of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), which is highlighted during its annual Cebu Business Month (CBM). The general theme is Get Inspired! Go Green!
In the mid-80s, CCCI initiated tourism seminars and forum in coordination with the academe and the stakeholders. As years progressed, with CBM growing into bigger perspectives, what used to be small gatherings developed into a well-attended tourism congress sessions. These meetings tackled concerns and relevant thrusts to help the industry expand. The annual short- and long-term projects involved multi-sectoral partnerships and, in many cases, linked with international key players.
The Department of Tourism (DOT 7), the Province and the City of Cebu, as well as the academe and the travel and tour agencies have always been the front-runners.
This year, the tourism congress joins the global thrust on the preservation of the environment, connecting this with the reinvention of creative tour packages that explore nature’s resources, especially in the countryside. It will also synergize with ecology-based entrepreneurship and programs.
It is slated on Wednesday, June 23, from 8 a.m.-5:45 p.m. , at the Plenary Hall, Cebu International Convention Center (CICC). The tourism congress, aptly titled Go Green Tourism Congress, will provide a healthy interaction with local, national and international ecotourism proponents.
Instead of lectures, the congress will use the interactive approach, with concrete demonstrations on topics such as recycling to create original souvenir products, like fashion accessories that tourists love; case stories on how towns developed their natural landmarks and products; garbage management to make our sites clean and beautiful for tourists to behold, among others. The partners for this big event are the DOT 7, the Province and the City of Cebu; SM City Cebu; Ayala Center Cebu; Island Souvenirs; GMA-7; Commission on Higher Education; Wealth TV Channel 28; Cebu Pacific; Sun.Star Cebu; Grand Holidays; Philippine Airlines; Continental Airlines; Cebu City Marriott Hotel; Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino (WCCHC); Cafe Laguna; Marco Polo Plaza Hotel; Park Lane International Hotel; Robinsons Place Cebu; Park Mall; Manila Standard; Shangri-La’s Mactan Island Resort and Spa; Delta Air; Hotel and Cafe Fortuna; Manny O; Cebu Fortune Travel; Worldwide Travel and Tours Inc.; Formo, and the list continues.
Arts and Culture Salvo
The tourism committee has lined up more CBM events: The Glorious Arts and Culture Salvo, 4 p.m.-6 p.m., June 5, hosted by Ayala and GMA-7. Special performers are GMA-7 artists, Girlie Las Piñas and the University of San Jose-Recoletos-Amparito scholars/Beijing performers, and Speechcom talents of the year. A special Island Souvenirs I Love Cebu dance number will be performed by tourism key players (who will again perform it on June 23): DOT 7 Director Rica Bueno, Aida Uy, Cecille Saa, Agnes Huetel, Connie Cimafranca, Cherrypie Callelero, Joy Uy, Cely Chiongbian, Cookie Chan, Sheila Colmenares, Alice Woolbright, Marisol Barria, Tess Chan, Chris Lebumfacil, and Hans Hauri—to be choreographed by Francis Isidro and Gerard Cabras. Admission is free.
People
The second season of success stories called People Enhancing Opportunities Propelling Leadership Excellence (People), sponsored by SM City, Sun.Star and GMA-7 will feature role models and success stories, at 4 p.m.-6 p.m. , Saturday, June 26, at SM City Cinema 1 (free admission).
The GMA-7 artists and other local talents will provide the entertainment
Grand Chamber, VACB awards
The Grand Chamber Awards and the Visayas Area Business Conference will share the limelight at 6:30 p.m.-10 p.m. on Friday, on June 25, at the Pacific Ballroom of WCC HC. Songs and dances will accentuate the glitter of the evening courtesy of GMA-7 and Knapsack dancers. The event will be hosted by Carol Go and William Sienes.
The tourism exhibits will be showcased in the Green Expo on June 22-24; Shop and Dine Cebu will be from June 1-30, showcasing Cebu’s food and products. The Great Cebu Sale reels off on June 22-24, at the Summit Hall, CICC. Weekend mall shows will be at Park Mall and Robinsons.
Celebrate the entire June, and be immersed in interrelated tourism events and be part of the global move to save Mother Earth.