TO SUSTAIN tourism recovery efforts, the Cebu City Tourism Commission (CCTC) is poised to launch what it calls the highland blooms and ecotourism next year.
CCTC chairperson Jocelyn Pesquera said the team will be putting the spotlight on Cebu’s flower farms and mountain resorts to encourage local tourists to re-explore Cebu’s highlands while still adhering to the government-mandated health and safety protocols.
“It is high time to explore the mountains of Cebu,” said Pesquera, adding that the city is also blessed with the abundance of waterfalls like in Barangays Budlaan, Tagbao, Sapangdako and natural caves that haven’t been frequented by tourists.
CCTC is eyeing to launch these new attractions during the Sinulog week, which falls on the third week of January.
Department of Tourism (DOT) 7 Director Shahlimar Tamano said the highlands of Cebu present a safer getaway because of its relaxing atmosphere.
“Cebuanos know that it is safer to go to the mountains to unwind or relax. The air is clean and fresh,” said Tamano in a separate interview.
He noticed a rise in biking interest as people who were previously locked in their homes due to the pandemic have slowly gone out, and embarked on healthier recreational activities in a safer environment.
“You can see all these developments on Facebook. People began biking, trekking, mountain climbing and rock climbing,” he said.
Moreover by 2022, the CCTC will also launch the urban and coastal tours.
“Cebu City may not have beaches, but we have a long stretch of shoreline where we can have events. In 2021, we will be going outdoors to the highlands, but in 2022, we will be introducing our coastline,” Pesquera said on the sidelines of the launching of the “Stay Cebu, Celebrate Cebu” campaign on Tuesday, Dec. 15.
CCTC has been busy re-exploring Cebu’s natural jewels to boost its tourism offerings in preparation for the reopening of both local and international travel, which is expected in the second half of 2021. (KOC)