Talisay City wants more visitors to stay and explore its food, history, and local attractions instead of simply passing through on their way to other destinations in Cebu.
During the opening of the 2nd Talisay City Business Summit & Trade Expo, Alice Queblatin, president of the Cebu Alliance of Tour Operations Specialists (CATOS), said Talisay should build its tourism identity around the people, culture, food, and heritage that distinguish it from other places in Cebu.
Queblatin cited Talisay lechon as a potential draw, noting that its preparation gives it a distinct taste and texture compared with lechon from Carcar City and other areas.
She urged city officials to identify Talisay’s distinctive attractions and make them the focus of its tourism promotions.
Tourism is not simply about visiting places or admiring scenic views but also about creating experiences that leave lasting memories, Queblatin noted.
Queblatin suggested that city officials work with the Department of Tourism to include Talisay in regional tour packages.
Marben Bascon, a history researcher and instructor, recalled that the City of Talisay was once a popular summer destination among Cebuanos. Bascon said there were several swimming pools and resorts
“Talisay has a lot more to offer, but there is a need to encourage investors particularly in the tourism industry,” he said.
Turning a pass-through city into a destination
Getting visitors to stay longer remains one of the biggest challenges for Talisay, according to City of Talisay Tourism Officer Mikki Fernandez Aznar.
The city also plans to renovate the Lechon Food Park, which could convince people to stay overnight, Aznar said.
The proposed improvements include expanding the facility and adding an air-conditioned upper floor that could accommodate meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE), as well as visiting business delegations and tour operators.
Talisay’s wartime history is another part of its tourism potential. Other heritage projects include the rehabilitation of the boardwalk and public plazas.
Public-private partnership
The City of Talisay – Chamber of Commerce, Trade and Industry Inc. (TCCI) organized the three-day business summit and trade expo, held from Oct. 26 to 28 at Robinson’s Galleria and Summit Hotel. It brought together the city government and the business sector to promote local enterprises, encourage investments, and strengthen partnerships.
Macario Cabusas, president of the City of Talisay – Chamber of Commerce, Trade and Industry Inc. (TCCI), said the event aims to showcase the city’s products, businesses, and people while encouraging cooperation between the public and private sectors.
“The expo opens to highlight what Talisay can offer, from our products to our people. This is about government and the private sector working together for inclusive growth,” Cabusas said.
The chamber is a key partner in the city’s efforts to develop tourism and stimulate economic activity.
By building on its food, heritage and water attractions, Talisay hopes to create more opportunities for restaurants, vendors, transport operators and other local businesses.
For the city, the challenge is not simply to bring back the reputation it once enjoyed as a summer destination. It is to develop a tourism identity that reflects what Talisay is today — and gives visitors a reason to stay.
