Cebu Trade Leader Welcomes Appointment of New DOT-7 Director

Cebu trade leaders on Thursday welcomed the appointment of a new Department of Tourism (DOT) 7 regional director.

Catalino Chan III, former tourism director of Northern Mindanao, was named Tuesday as the new DOT 7 director.

Chan, who completed a marketing degree at the University of San Carlos in Cebu City, hails from Mambajao, Camiguin and currently resides in Cagayan de Oro City.

Melanie Ng, Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) president, said establishing a stronger Cebu tourism brand is one of the key projects the CCCI hopes to collaborate with the region’s new tourism chief.

“In line with CCCI’s thrust of bringing Cebu business to the next level, we are looking forward to working with the new regional director of DOT in the promotion of Cebu tourism as we capitalize on the strength both has to offer to improve our tourism prospects and increase our market reach,” said Ng.

She cited the need to establish a stronger Cebu tourism brand so the private sector can aggressively promote Cebu, especially with the increase in the international direct flights, which they expect to also hike tourist arrivals.

“For the domestic market, there is a need to promote Cebu aggressively as a top domestic travel destination. It would be great to have a unique marketing campaign that will highlight not only our beaches and resorts but also our culture and heritage. We can do this with a strong government and private sector collaboration,” said Ng.

Cebu launched last year its new brand “Cebu: Where Your Heart Sings”, that aims to “to rev up the tourism industry as an economic driver and engine of growth.”

The new brand was initiated by CCCI and the Metro Cebu Development and Coordinating Board, in collaboration with other tourism stakeholders.

Since its launching, the brand has been highly visible in various events or promotions locally and abroad. (PNA)LAP/EB/EBP