Gilutungan, Cordova | Photo: Michael D. Edwards | Shutterstock ID: 1717258705
The revival of tourism may not be easy but it is possible. We can take inspiration from the humble municipality of Cordova in Mactan, Cebu.
After months of economic and social lockdown, Cordova tourism is slowly re-opening as it introduced two community-based tourism activities dubbed as “Dance with the Marine Life” and “Sing with the Mangroves”.
Re-opening of Cordova Tourism
On August 30, 2020, a program entitled Re-opening of Cordova Tourism was held to introduce two community-based tourism projects. The momentous event was graced by the honorable presence of Mayor Mary Therese Sitoy-Cho and Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia. It was attended by local operators, public officials and other tourism stakeholders.
A photo with Cordova Mayor and Cebu Governor during the Re-opening of Cordova Tourism Activity | Source: Cordova Island Hopping
Cordova, along with the rest of Cebu province, is now placed under the more relaxed Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) where tourism activities can be allowed, at a reduced capacity. Here is an article to know more about the New Normal in Travel and Tourism in the Philippines.
With local tourism in place, Cordovanhons hold a good grip at their chance at regaining their economy and livelihood again.
Local boatmen, trisikad drivers, local tour guides, women association, persons with disabilities and local sectors were tapped to create a holistic and all-inclusive tourism experience. The tour package includes transportation, food, souvenir and local guide. This way, direct benefits are poured into the local community thus creating sustainable tourism for all.
One of our local partners, Cordova Island Hopping, was also present at this event. They operate island hopping activities around Mactan Islands. They specialize in providing authentic island experience and in serving Filipino lunch buffet that is freshly grilled by the friendly boat crew. They too were hardly hit by travel restrictions. Today, they are hopeful that things will get better and that local tourism can recover.
An ideal sustainable tourism paradigm is one that balances economic, social and environmental impacts. When the local economy prospers, the community is happy which will make them want to take care of the environment all the more – precisely how Cordova is presenting tourism now.
A photo taken during the re-opening program | Source: Cordova Island Hopping
Cordova: Ecotourism Gateway in the Visayas
Existing attractions at Cordova have been repackaged to create a better tourism experience for all. The new improved tours dubbed as “Dance with the Marine Life” and “Sing with the Mangroves” have incorporated safety protocols while putting a premium on sustainable ecotourism. The tours highlight the main assets of Cordova such as nature and culture.
Cordova, Cebu Tourist Spots
Gilutungan Marine Sanctuary: “Dance with the Marine Life”
“Dance with the Marine LIfe” is a 4-hour snorkeling activity at Gilutungan Marine Sanctuary. It is an all-inclusive tour which costs Php 1,250 per person. Local boatmen operate the tour while the other components such as food and souvenir are carried out by associations of women and persons with disabilities.
A carrying capacity of 8 persons per boat is imposed to ensure social distancing and to provide a more in-depth experience for tourists. There are five departing schedules to choose from beginning 8:00AM until 12:00NN. WIth a number of local boat operators, the activity can accommodate a total of five hundred (500) tourists per day.
A local pumpboat called “banka” used for tourism | Source: Cordova Island Hopping
Nalusuan: “Sing with the Mangrove”
“Sing with the Mangrove” is a 2-3 hour activity that will allow you the opportunity to explore the a bird sanctuary, visit the Bakhaw (Mangrove) Paradise and enjoy swimming or rowing at Catarman Mangrove Park.
Same with Dance with the Marine LIfe, it is also an all-inclusive tour facilitated by local residents and operators. The tour costs Php 940 per person with a carrying capacity of eight (8) persons per boat.
Discover Cebu Portal
Pre-booking is required for both activities, along with other tourism experiences in Cebu. Online registration and payment can be done through a centralized booking portal called Discover Cebu Portal.
Online Booking Form | Source: Discover Cebu Portal
The portal is intended to limit the number of guests that will visit in the tourism destinations in the province at a given time and observe social distancing protocols in the tourism establishments.
Aside from the booking mechanism, payments for availing of the tourism packages will be made through money remittance firms and online banking. Once full payment for the chosen tour packages is made, clients will be released with a radio frequency ID (RFID) code, which they will present on their scheduled visit to the tourism site in exchange of an RFID bracelet.
The RFID can be reloaded, still through money remittance centers and online banking, to serve as their e-wallet while they are at the tourism site. | Source: https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/330069/cebus-tourism-portal-up-and-running#ixzz6WrMF4gfJ
Cebu Attractions: Available Cebu Tourist Spot Listed on the Booking Portal
Attractions that are authorized to open are enlisted in the booking portal. As of 1st week of September 2020, there are nine (9) Cebu tourist spots that are ready to accommodate tourists.
Buho Rock Cliff Diving, Camotes Island
Canyoneering Cebu, Alegria
Kawasan Falls Cebu
Barili ATV Experience
Pescador Island, Moalboal
Oslob Paragliding
Whaleshark Cebu, Oslob
Dance with the Marine Life, Cordova
Sing with the Mangroves, Cordova
The portal and its tourism offerings are still a “work in progress”. It is targeted to showcase over 50 meaningful tour experiences that highlight the nature and cultural assets of a Cebu tourist spots.
Touring Cebu in a Better Normal: Safety Rules
The following are the safety protocols that must be observed when visiting Cebu tourist spots.
Safety Protocols | Source: Discover Cebu Portal
Cebu Resorts / Hotel Near Cordova, Cebu
Crimson Hotel Cebu
Address: Seascapes Resort Town Mactan Island, Lapu-Lapu City, 6015 Cebu
Phone: (032) 401 9999
Website: https://www.crimsonhotel.com/mactan
Shangri-la Cebu
Address: Punta Engaño Rd, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, 6015 Cebu
Phone: (032) 231 0288
Website: https://www.shangri-la.com/cebu/mactanresort/
Movenpick Cebu
Address: Mactan Island, Lapu-Lapu City, 6015 Cebu
Phone: (032) 252 7777
Website: https://www.movenpick.com/en/asia/philippines/cebu/hotel-mactan-island-cebu/overview/
Plantation Bay Cebu
Address: Marigondon, Mactan Island, Lapu-Lapu City, 6015 Cebu
Phone: (032) 505 9800
Website: https://plantationbay.com/
Netflix featured Cordova’s Local Food: Bakasi (Saltwater Reef Eel)
Last year, Netflix featured Cordova for its authentic and exotic streetfood called “Bakasi”. The documentary series highlighted unique local foods and culinary heroes who invented the local dish.
Choose Cordova, Cebu
Cordova is a humble coastal community in the historic island of Mactan, Cebu. It is an unpretentious and peaceful community where local people live in harmony with nature.
Discover simple living and let nature clear your mind when you come to Cordova.
Our head office which is located in Cordova would love to organize a local tour for you. Contact us 🙂
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