‘Sinulog, polls to boost Cebu economy’

Cebu will continue to have a robust economy and a better business climate this year, said a business leader in Mandaue City.

Eric Ng Mendoza, president of the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), named two factors for his 2010 forecast – tourism, Sinulog and the elections.

Mendoza said that Cebu is a peculiar place being it is in the center of the Visayas. Everything in tourism comes to Cebu before going to other provinces in the region.

Mendoza said the peace and order situation in Cebu and the facilities like the international airport, a choice of five-star to two-star hotel accommodations are also a big plus factor for Cebu's tourism industry.

These are among the factors that made Cebu the No. 1 tourist destination in the country last year with 1.24 million tourist arrivals.

Mendoza said he expected more tourist arrivals to Cebu this year especially for the Sinulog after organizers promised a grand celebration to mark the festival's 30th anniversary.

After the Sinulog, the elections will come next in May.

Mendoza said the number of candidates running for different positions would be good for the advertising industry, the different media outlets, printing businesses, t-shirt manufacturers and other related businesse especially during the campaign season.

Other businesses that would benefit from the elections include restaurant and function rooms for the meetings of the different political groups.

After the elections, businesses will prepare for the 3rd and 4th quarter of the year for the Christmas season.

He said that in July, orders for Christmas-related products start production for delivery in September and October.

Mendoza also said investors and businessmen were not worried about who would win in the elections because they were assured of business-friendly candidates running for the different posts in government.

-Cebu Daily News