Tourism mission to Singapore, Malaysia

Department of Tourism (DoT)-Region 7 director, said Cebu businessmen will have the opportunity to discuss with foreign counterparts and possibly get bookings.

DoT-7 is spearheading the activity on April 10-14.

Cebu tourism participants sought the holding of the sales mission after tour operators from Malaysia urged locals to visit and introduce the island to Malaysians who are ready to go abroad.

Ms. Montecillo said Singapore was included as it is one of Cebu’s fast-growing international markets.

Although visitors from Singapore to Cebu represent only 1.41% of total foreign travelers for 2011, the figure jumped by 38.54% from 2010. Visitors from Malaysia, on the other hand, only grew by 4.84%.

"We want to get more visitors from both places. We already have links there. What we need is to introduce the destination," Ms. Montecillo said, adding that Cebu will be showcased as a shopping and entertainment hub.

This early, said Ms. Montecillo, the tourism sector is working for Cebu to have its own shopping festival by September.

She said meetings are being held with retailers, hoteliers, tour operators and the Department of Trade and Industry for the hosting of a grand sale in Cebu in that month.

Airlines, hotels, restaurants, and shopping destinations will be offering hefty discounts during the grand sale, Ms. Montecillo said.

Source - bworldonline