A quick walk, a story about an old landmark and a warm welcome could become part of Cebu’s tourism pitch.
The Department of Tourism Central Visayas (DOT 7) is encouraging tourism students, educators and other stakeholders in the academe to become active heritage stewards and partners in promoting destinations.
DOT 7 OIC Regional Director Gelena Asis-Dimpas made the call during the University of San Jose-Recoletos’ observance of the 59th ASEAN Founding Anniversary in August, noting that the university is located within Cebu City’s Heritage District.
Asis-Dimpas encouraged students and faculty members to “adopt” visitors they encounter, offer quick walking tours and share the stories behind the district’s landmarks and traditions.
“Tourism is an industry where every handshake, every smile, and every story has a potential to trigger economic activity,” Asis-Dimpas said.
She also called for stronger industry-academe collaboration to keep tourism and hospitality education aligned with the changing needs of the industry.
Among the areas she identified were curriculum enhancement, expanded internship and immersion programs and continued DOT-accredited training with partner institutions.
DOT 7’s Project H.A.R.A.N.A. (Hosting ASEAN with Readiness, Authenticity, Nationalism, and Agility) was cited as an example of such collaboration.
The project trained and deployed staffers, volunteers, tourism college faculty members and students, including those from USJ-R, to support arrivals, billeting, reception and tour operations during this year’s ASEAN engagements in the region.
Central Visayas hosted the ASEAN Tourism Forum in January and the ASEAN Leaders’ Summit in May, drawing delegates, leaders and guests from across ASEAN.
The events provided opportunities for the region to showcase Cebu’s readiness and hospitality while involving tourism stakeholders in hosting and visitor services.
USJ-R’s ASEAN anniversary observance followed the lead of the Commission on Higher Education and carried the Philippine ASEAN Chairmanship theme “Navigating Our Future, Together.”
The celebration also featured an ASEAN Country and Food Exhibit showcasing the culture, traditions and culinary practices of the bloc’s 11 member states.
Asis-Dimpas also highlighted Central Visayas’ growth as an education tourism destination and the role of tour guides and tourism professionals in the DOT’s nationwide “Discover More to Love” campaign.
She said the region can build greater destination awareness and create memorable visitor experiences by strengthening these sectors.
DOT 7 said it will continue deepening its collaboration with academic institutions to help strengthen Central Visayas as a hub for tourism, culture and regional cooperation within the ASEAN community.
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