Lapu-Lapu to host tourism expo

The Lapu-Lapu City government is organizing a three-day tourism expo to help resort and hotel operators recover their losses brought about by the cancellation of bookings at the height of the terrorist attacks in Bohol and Marawi.

The activity is also the city government’s way of promoting tourism, said city tourism officer Hembler Mendoza.

“We come up to focus on promoting Lapu-Lapu City and market the city immediately. What I did, we come up with a new campaign and then this time we come up with the Lapu-Lapu City Tourism Expo," he said.

The event is also open for city residents who own bed-and-breakfast establishments. The tourism expo will run starting on November 16 until 18 at the Island Central Mall.

"But this is different from food festival because they cannot cook. What they do, they can sell their food or items," Mendoza explained adding that the event is timely for Christmas season.

On the last day of the event, the selling of items and food will turn into a buffet station from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

"Mo-contribute sila og food sa buffet station good for 40 people who are given an invitation," he said.

Apart from the food, there will be search for Mr. and Ms. Tourism expo. All contestants must be working in hotels and resorts in the city.

Mendoza said the tourism industry of the city was affected by the terrorist attacks in Bohol and Marawi because several bookings were cancelled. He said because of the effect, he was instructed by Mayor Paz Radaza to meet with the hotel and resort operators to discuss how the city government could help them recover.

It was during the meeting two months ago that they have agreed to hold a tourism expo.-