Cebu's tourism industry finds new lifeline in ESL

Cebu's English as a Second Language (ESL) industry is emerging as a key stabilizer for the island's tourism sector, helping off set a marked drop in Korean leisure arrivals.

- Ehda M. Dagooc Staff Member

According to hoteliers and tourism stakeholders, language academies, particularly in Mactan, are drawing a more globally diverse cohort of students, extending beyond the traditional Korean base to include nationals from Egypt, India, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, and Mongolia.

"In Mactan alone, we have three ESL schools consistently bringing in hundreds of students," said Josef Victor Chiongbian, board member of the Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Association of Cebu Inc. (HRRACI) and general manager of Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown.

"These schools don't just support the hospitality sector; they enhance Cebu's positioning as a safe, attractive study destination," noted Chiongbian.

The ESL segment, characterized by extended stays and sustained spending on lodging, transport, and leisure, is seen as a more resilient contributor to the visitor economy compared to short-term leisure travel.

"This is a different kind of tourism," Chiongbian added. "These students blend language training with cultural exploration, spreading economic activity throughout Cebu province."