Tourism boom expected in Lapu

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2015/07/04/tourism-boom-expected-lapu-417028
• Saturday, July 4, 2015

By Rebelander S. Basilan

LAPU-LAPU City will have 1,700 more rooms for travelers in the next three to five years, an official said.

City Tourism Officer Hembler Mendoza said investors plan to build at least four hotels with the new Mactan-Cebu International Airport terminal (MCIA) expected to increase tourist arrivals in the city.

The new terminal will increase the airport’s capacity from over four million passengers to over 12 million passengers when it opens in 2018.

The groundbreaking for Terminal 2 was held last Monday with President Benigno Aquino III, gracing the ceremony.

“The expected increase in tourist arrivals is also due in part to the promotion of sports tourism in the city,” Mendoza said.

For the fourth time, the City will host the Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines next month.

This year’s triathlon, slated on Aug. 2, drew 2,500 athletes from around the world.

Mendoza said hotels and resorts in Lapu-Lapu that are close to Shangri-la Mactan’s Resort and Spa are already 80 to 90 percent booked for the sports event.

Shangri-la Mactan’s Resort and Spa is the main venue of the triathlon.

Mayor Paz Radaza said the triathlon has helped the City attract more tourists.

“The event has really made an impact on the city. It has put our city in the world map of sports tourism,” she said.

“It does not only give pride to the Oponganons but also helps the city attract more local and foreign tourists,” she added.

Mendoza said that aside from the athletes, their families, supporters and event observers have booked rooms for the triathlon.

The city has 4,500 rooms available in 61 accommodation establishments.

In an effort to boost tourism, the City launched a branding effort last year, to make itself known as the Historic Resort City.