Cebu aims to become center for medical tourism and wellness

Economy
Written by Willy Rodolfo III / Reporter
Wednesday, 30 September 2009 21:55

CEBU’S attempt to position itself as a health and wellness destination in the country and in Asia will once again be highlighted during the Beauty Health and Wellness Show (BHW) 2009.
Organized by Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), the BHW has risen to become one of the local business’s highlight events alongside the Cebu Business Month, which is held every June.

“Our aim is to make Cebu not only a tourist destination but a destination and center for medical tourism and wellness in the country,” event chairman Nelson Bascones said.

Cebu’s major stakeholders in the health and wellness industry, including government agencies, have been pushing for the island as a destination for medical tourists with its world-class wellness facilities and state-of-the-art medical institutions alongside the already established international resorts.

But according to BHW marketing consultant Sabine Schacknat, starting the wellness culture with the local population is one of the thrusts of CCCI and BHW.

“We would like to show that it is fun to have a healthy lifestyle. It is fun to be healthy and well,” Schacknat said.

Joining the show at the Ayala Center Cebu from November 4 to 8 are the biggest players in the destination spas and urban spa industry, suppliers, restaurants, health-food shops and other partners.

In order to further perk up the activities, organizers are also throwing in a health and wellness fashion show, as well as a running race called “Rock and Run”—a concert-minimarathon hybrid meant to make running a fun activity.

Johnnie Lim, president of the Spa and Wellness Association of Cebu, said his group will also stage seminars and workshops on the Philippine massage (hilot) in the hope of putting it in the mainstream market, which at present is dominated by Thai or Swedish massage techniques.

Lim said the Cebu Health and Wellness Council, of which he is also a director, is also pushing for a campaign to inform the local market of the facilities of the medical industry in Cebu.

“You do not have to go to Manila or the US to have your medical procedures, as Cebu hospitals and Cebu doctors are already capable,” Lim said.