Cebu business group steps up bid to win tourists, investors
Private sector group Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) is stepping up a campaign to attract more investors and tourists into the country’s biggest and fastest-growing local economy outside Metro Manila.
CCCI is spearheading the holding of the Cebu Business Month in June, which features various industry conferences, exhibits and activities, including the Great Cebu Sale, all aimed at drawing people to go to and do business in Cebu, chamber president Lito R. Maderazo said.
“Cebu’s strength is really in trade and commerce and we want to capitalize on this. With good infrastructure, we want to further promote Cebu as a destination for foreign and domestic investments,” Maderazo said.
A range of topics from incentives and economic prospects to infrastructure and even the arts will be discussed in various tracks during the Cebu Business month. During the same month, the chamber will hold the Tourism Congress and equivalent events for the creative industries, IT-BPO, and manufacturer-entrepreneurs. Homegrown brands—from clothing to food and furniture—will also be showcased during the various events, he added.
Board Secretary Mary Anne Alcordo-Solomon said there would be complementary sports and advocacy activities, such as the 1st Cebu Run for the Rivers, which are aimed to showcase the diversity of activities that tourists and investors can engage in when in Cebu.
Melanie Ng, VP for membership development and Cebu Business Month 2013 chair, said this year’s Cebu Business Month highlights the creative sector, IT, tourism and entrepreneurship (manufacturing) as priority sectors.
The Great Cebu Sale, meant to complement sectoral meetings while meeting tourists’ demand for Cebu souvenirs and homegrown products, will feature local manufacturers and exporters. Commercial establishments such as the Ayala and SM Malls have also committed to join the sale, Maderazo said.
Assistant board secretary Lilu Alino said hotels had prepared tourist packages for the event. Airlines were expected to launch seat sales as well.
