DOT wishes for a theme park in Cebu

By Ehda M. Dagooc (The Freeman) Updated December 19, 2009 12:00 AM

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Tourism (DOT) urged capitalists to put up family-oriented theme park developments in Cebu in order to strengthen Cebu’s niche as a complete tourism destination that also has enough entertainment facilities.

DOT senior adviser Phineas Alburo said this is one of the opportunities that tourism investors should consider, as this could only bring more family-oriented tourists to Cebu.

Alburo stressed the need for the presence of family-oriented theme parks here, with the likes of Hong Kong Disneyland that would have enticed the market for leisure-seeking tourists, especially in Asia.

“Hong Kong has Disneyland, Singapore has Sea World. These countries have their own good theme parks. In Cebu, we don't have one as of yet," Alburo said in an interview.

A theme park is one place that could attract the whole family to come whether from the Philippines or abroad, he added.

While the idea of a theme park is feasible now a days, in preparation for the projected tourism rebound next year, land availability in setting up such investment remains a serious concern.

However, he said the 300-hectare reclaimed South Road Properties (SRP), in this City, would be a good site but investors would have to first determine the viability of establishing an entertainment center similar to that of Disneyland or Sea World.

“It should be a world-class theme park with a Filipino touch,” he said.

This type of theme park should be “unique” and at par with international standards, not just the traditional carnival type of services like ferris wheels, carousels, and the like.

Meanwhile, Cebu Investment and Promotions Center (CIPC) executive director Joel Mari Yu admitted a world class theme park in Cebu “would not be happening to soon” as such a facility entails huge capitalization from a private developer.

Yu emphasized that it is therefore the role of the local government units and the CIPC to invite potential investors for this project and provide certain incentives.

“There is a need for Cebu to develop more attractions, aside from the traditional tourism itineraries like cultural and heritage tours,” Yu said.

Although Cebu, as a resort destination, is primarily known for its pristine white beaches, furniture products, rich cultural heritage, and festivities, Cebu needs to offer more for tourists, he added.

Yu said Cebu, with its inviting tropical environment, could very well be a potential destination for a "smaller" Disneyland-type of theme park.

For his part, Enchanted Kingdom Inc., president and chairman Mario Mamon earlier announced that although the company has plans to put up a theme park in Cebu, this plan still has to be studied very well.