ESL advantage to boost Cebu tourism receipts

Cebu should further polish its niche in English as Second Language (ESL), as this sector is seen to multiply its contribution to the province's tourism receipts.

Tourism advocate Robert Lim Joseph made this statement following the pronouncement of the Department of Tourism (DOT) to create an ESL roadmap to boost the education tourism in the country.

Joseph said Cebu has already carved its name in the primary markets in ESL, like Korean, and Japanese and it should further capitalize on this niche, as roadmap creation is seen to boost ESL related travelers.

DOT Undersecretary Benito Bengzon Jr. announced recently that the agency will be introducing an ESL roadmap. This blueprint will chart the direction of the country’s programs and promotional efforts to level up its standing as premier ESL destination in Asia.

"We will soon roll-out a roadmap for education tourism, specifically for ESL for which Cebu is a top-notch destination among different markets,” said Bengzon.

Before the government could roll-out this roadmap, Joseph suggested that players will have to unite as one to vanguard its lead.

Aside from Cebu, other areas that are famous as ESL haven for studying tourists include Baguio and NCR, among others.

Cebu’s proximity to the beaches, presence of direct flights to Asian destinations, cheaper ESL rates and highly qualified English teachers have made the province attractive for non-English speaking students.

In fact, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) urged Filipino entrepreneurs to take advantage of the opportunity to invest in ESL services.

DTI noted the huge potential for Chinese nationals coming to the Philippines to learn English, as China is experiencing shortage of bilingual workforce.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) also announced its interest to include institutions that are offering ESL services to be part in the roster of companies availing exclusive fiscal incentives. —

Ehda M. Dagooc