Cebu tourist arrivals up 5% in January

Updated March 07, 2009 12:00 AM CEBU, Philippines - Amid global economic crisis, tourist arrivals in Cebu marked an increase of five percent in January this year, according to Department of Tourism. This was derived from the number of tourists directly arriving at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport that have recorded a total of 36, 653 tourist arrivals in January. DOT attributed the increase to the incessant in-market tactical programs undertaken in cooperation with partner stakeholders including tour operators, hotel establishments, resorts and the transport sector. Chinese arrivals in Cebu has reportedly posted a remarkable growth of 204 percent while visitors from Hong Kong went up by 163 percent in January this year in time with Chinese New Year and other celebrations like Sinulog festival. DOT Undersecretary for Tourism and Planning Operation Eduardo Jarque, Jr. said the increase in arrivals can also be attributed to “three travel considerations of the Chinese market which include cost, Chinese-friendly culture and quick and affordable facilitation of visa-processing.” Tourism Secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano added: “We are strong on all three factors. We have value-for-money destination packages, pervasive Chinese influences, and effective visa-upon-arrival for tourists.” To facilitate the huge inbound traffic of Chinese arrivals, nine chartered flights from Shanghai to Cebu were set. DOT sees the substantial growth in the number of Chinese visitors as an advantage because China has a fast-growing economy with an annual average of 40 million outbound tourists each spending an average of three thousand dollars per trip. DOT added that Russian tourists also grew by 133 percent and Indian arrivals by 108 percent. Durano explained that Russian visitors come over during winter period to stay at an average of 12 to 15 days in the Philippines to soak up the sun, shop and try out adventure tours. Indian tourists, on the other hand, find Cebu an ideal destination for holidays and corporate incentive trips. Durano said holiday makers from India stay an average of 20 days doing shopping, seeking entertainment and enjoying sightseeing. — Jessica Ann R. Pareja/WAB (THE FREEMAN)