CEBU CITY -- Five-star resorts, white sand beaches and a wide array of food choices and delicacies.
These are among the reasons cited by Lapu-Lapu City Lone District Rep. Cindi King-Chan why tourists should visit the city.
Chan, wife of Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard ‘Ahong’ Chan, made the push during the recent Türkiye Tourism Roadshow and Uzakrota Travel Summit 2022 in Istanbul, Turkey.
Chan was part of the Philippine delegation that was invited to the summit.
The delegation was led by Philippine Ambassador to Turkey Maria Elena Algabre, Consul Lorena Joy Banagodos, and Department of Tourism (DOT) Director Paulo Tugbang.
Representatives from two English as a Second Language (ESL) schools in Cebu, The Center for Premier International Language Studies and QQ English, also joined the trip.
Chan’s fellow lawmaker, Bohol 2nd District Rep. Vanessa Aumentado, was also part of the delegation.
Addressing the participants, Chan described Lapu-Lapu as a tropical island haven rich in history and culture.
The island's opulent five-star resorts with immaculate white sand beaches are ideal for different activities and water sports, Chan said.
"Anybody who has been to Lapu-Lapu City can attest that it is indeed a tropical island paradise. It would be impossible for one not to enjoy his or her vacation,” she said.
Chan added that the exquisite local cuisines that only the city can offer will make the tourists’ visit more enjoyable.
Chan particularly promoted the island's popular cuisine, SUTUKIL, which she associates with a Filipino version of ceviche.
"The richness of our cuisine mirrors the richness of our history and culture,” she stressed.
The congresswoman also shared how the Oponganons, or the people in Lapu-Lapu City, are exceptionally accommodating and loving people.
"Let me take this opportunity to invite you to visit our islands. Visit Lapu-Lapu City. Visit Cebu Province. Visit the Philippines. I assure you that it will be a refreshing and reinvigorating experience for all of you," she said.
Aside from Istanbul, the Philippine delegation also visited Izmir and Ankara in Turkey.
Türkiye Tourism Roadshow and Uzakrota Travel Summit are among the most important events in the tourism sector. They are attended by professionals from the tourism and media sectors, business representatives and IT professionals.