January expected to drive recovery

Cebu's tourism industry is showing early signs of recovery after a series of natural disasters disrupted year-end travel, with authorities betting on the peak January season to restore momentum, according to the Department of Tourism's Central Visayas office (DOT-7).

- Ehda M Dagooc Staff Member

Hotel bookings failed to post their usual post-holiday rebound after recent typhoons and an earthquake, though cancellations remained limited, said Guelena Asis-Dimpas, officer-in-charge of DOT-7. Industry players are now looking to stronger arrivals in December January to stabilize performance.

January is traditionally one of Cebu's strongest months, with hotel occupancy typically running at 90 percent to full capacity, she said.