While the Cebu economy has continued to sizzle ahead of the national economy, Lapu-Lapu City (often confused with Mactan) is definitely not far behind with its own enviable share of large-scale infrastructure, tourism projects and events aimed at drawing more global visitors to the island.
It all started off with the massive PhP17-billion renovation of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) under the management of GMR-CAC (Cebu Airport Authority) as a PPP (Public-Private Partnership) project.
Completion rate of the new terminals are inching towards 70 percent, as the project is well on track to meet its self-imposed June 2018 deadline. The airport is also coordinating with the city government and tourism stakeholders for better networking and smoother industry relations.
Growing developments
“JPark Island Resort & Waterpark Cebu will construct over 200 rooms in a new wing in addition to its existing 565 rooms to cater to the rising number of tourists,” cited Hembler Mendoza, tourism operations officer of Lapu-Lapu City.
Also soon to rise is the JPark Casino, designed to cater primarily to international tourists in a bid to draw in high rollers from various countries.
Formerly known as the Imperial Palace Waterpark and Resort, the resort played host to the Miss Universe swimsuit competition early this year.
“More hotel chains are coming to Lapu-Lapu,” Mendoza also announced. “One will set up shop with three properties at the 28-hectare Mactan Newtown area under the Megaworld Corporation.”
In addition, Mendoza, who spoke at a press conference at the City Sports Club, mentioned the entry of Savoy Hotels to the Mactan scene, as well as the plans of an existing resort to compliment its existing facilities to build a convention center capable of hosting up to 1,500.
“Regarding sports, the city is attracting electronic sports enthusiasts. There is also the dragon boat racing held at the Cebu Yacht Club, where several teams pit their skills against each other,” he added.
To note, Lapu-Lapu recently hosted the Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines event last August, which drew tens of thousands of participants, fans, visitors, security personnel, and schoolchildren in attendance.
Mendoza was one of the speakers in a press conference centering on the Cebu Travel Exchange (CTX), a main highlight of the recently held Cebu International Travel Fair.
 
By RICHARD RAMOS