Cebu tourism stakeholders expect more gains in 2023

By: Ehda M. Dagooc - The Freeman
Published: April 18, 2023
Full Article: Cebu tourism stakeholders expect more gains in 2023
Snippets: CEBU, Philippines — Tourism players in Cebu expect to see more gains in 2023 as the ‘revenge travel’ phenomenon is showing strong momentum.

Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu general manager Michael Kempf expressed confidence in Cebu tourism’s full recovery in 2023.

While 2023 could be considered a “buildup year” for most hospitality establishments in Cebu recovering from the COVID-19 and typhoon Odette, actual arrivals and rising bookings confirmed that recovery is apparent.

For resorts and hotels which are heavily damaged by the typhoon, like Dusit Thani Mactan, there is now a massive effort to upgrade facilities as well as hire and rehire personnel.

“International guests will have higher expectations, and this brings a lot of pressure on hoteliers to meet these new travel demands,” said Kempf.

Last year, the Robinsons Land Corporation-developed resort located in Punta Engaño, Mactan Island, started to rehire employees—those the resort had to let go due to the pandemic and typhoon Odette devastation.


With the improving occupancy rate and bookings for MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) events, Dusit Thani is accelerating efforts to upgrade facilities and hiring and rehiring personnel.


“International guests will have higher expectations, and this brings a lot of pressure on hoteliers to meet these new travel demands,” said Kempf.


The resort is also preparing to open more food and beverage selections, such as opening another Korean restaurant within the resort, to anticipate the influx of more Koreans.
An opening of an Indian cuisine restaurant is also being considered, as well as improving menu options for its sports bar outlet and breakfast buffet and dinner spread, among others.