THE FREEMAN'S FIRST BUSINESS FORUM Trends that shape Cebu's landscape tourism

Key players in Cebu's tourism sector convened on Friday, April 12, 2024, at bai Hotel Cebu in Mandaue City for The Freeman business forum themed "Trends that Shape Cebu's Tourism Landscape.

- ANDREW MATTHEW ORTOÑO

" The forum is part of a series of special projects lined up to mark The Freeman's 105th Founding Anniversary in July.

Keynoting the event, Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia took the occasion to promote the local government's Suroy Suroy Sugbo program, noting how the initiative has opened new doors for undiscovered gems in Cebu as she spearheads tourism efforts for the province.

"The most important ingredient [for Cebu's success] is the Cebuanos themselves," she added. "We have people who continue to innovate, raise the bar, and refuse to be complacent."

The half-day gathering explored promising tourism prospects and trends poised to elevate Cebu's position in the multi-billion-peso tourism industry, while showcasing emerging trends in Cebu's tourism industry, including eco-tourism, digital nomadism, and education tourism. It also featured ideas and perspectives from young and budding tourism stakeholders making their mark in tourism-related businesses.