CEBU — The Department of Tourism called for sustained investment in the country's hospitality sector during the Philippine Hotel Owners Association's Cebu Hotel Connect 2026, held September 24 at Sheraton Mactan Cebu Resort. The gathering positioned Cebu as the primary hotel investment hub of the southern Philippines.
A Strategic Gateway for Regional Growth
Representing Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay, DOT Undersecretary Maria Victoria "Baba" Jasmin underscored the role of tourism investments in expanding opportunities for destinations and strengthening regional economies. She pointed to Cebu's strategic position as a gateway to the Visayas and Mindanao, where stronger connections among destinations, the private sector, and stakeholders drive industry growth.
OIC Regional Director Gelena Asis-Dimpas joined the discussions, which centered on strengthening Central Visayas as a competitive and investment-ready destination. Accommodation, infrastructure, connectivity, and other components of the tourism ecosystem formed the core of the dialogue. The event marked a coordinated push among DOT, TIEZA, and PHOA to attract capital into the region.
TIEZA as Partner, Not Gatekeeper
The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority emphasized its evolving role as a collaborative partner for investors and developers. Rather than acting solely as a regulator, TIEZA facilitates access to incentives, coordinates with government agencies, and helps resolve bottlenecks that delay viable tourism projects.
This proactive stance supports hotel expansions, green resort development, wellness and sports tourism hubs, and major integrated tourism estates. By reducing regulatory friction, TIEZA makes Cebu more attractive to both domestic and foreign investors compared to competing regional destinations. The agency's involvement signals a shift toward enabling rather than merely approving.
What This Means for Cebu's Economy
Increased private capital investment translates into thousands of direct jobs in hotel management, hospitality, culinary arts, and guest services. Indirect employment grows in construction, transportation, and retail. The multiplier effect reaches local farmers, artisans, and small business owners who supply hotels with food, linens, handicrafts, and tour services.
Tourism infrastructure investments also bring upgraded road networks, better utility access, and cleaner public spaces that benefit residents daily. The economic resilience gained by broadening Cebu's hospitality offerings into specialized segments like sports and wellness tourism reduces reliance on seasonal travel. Steady year-round growth becomes achievable.
Benefits for Travelers and Communities
Visitors gain access to a wider variety of modern, eco-friendly, and high-end accommodations tailored to diverse preferences. Stronger public-private coordination improves connectivity between Cebu's airports and seaports and nearby island destinations. Dedicated support for green resorts and wellness hubs ensures cleaner environments, higher safety standards, and more authentic local experiences.
For communities, these developments mean improved infrastructure and expanded livelihood opportunities. The collaboration between government leadership and private developers ensures tourism expansion is planned strategically rather than haphazardly. Long-term economic resilience replaces short-term, uncoordinated growth.
Positioning Cebu for the Future
The Cebu Hotel Connect 2026 reinforced the province's standing as a premier investment destination in the southern Philippines. With DOT, TIEZA, and PHOA aligned, the region is poised to attract the capital needed to modernize its hospitality landscape. The benefits will ripple across the Visayas and Mindanao for years to come.
