Cebu’s bid to be a health and wellnes destination
Posted on October 2nd, 2009
Major stakeholders in the health and wellness industry in Cebu, including government agencies, have been pushing for the island to become a destination for medical tourist with its world-class wellness facilities and state-of-the-art medical institutions, alongside the already established international resorts.
In line with islands attempt to position itself as a health and wellness destination in the Philippines, and in Asia as well, the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) will hold the Beauty Health and Wellness Show 2009 (BHW).
Event chairmen Nelson Bascones said, “our aim is to make Cebu not only a tourist destination but a destination and center for medical tourism and wellness in the country.â€
Sabine Schacknat, BHW marketing consultant stressed however that starting the wellness culture with the local population is one of the main thrust of CCCI and BHW. “We would like to show that it is fun to have a healthy lifestyle. It is fun to be healthy and well,†Schacknat said.
The BHW will be held at the Ayala Center Cebu from November 4 to 8 and it will be attended by the biggest players and destinations spas and urban spa industry, suppliers, restaurants, health-food shops and other partners.
The organizers are also planning to hold a health and wellness fashion show, and a running race called “Rock and Run,†which is a concert-minimarathon hybrid meant to make running a fun activity.
The Spa and Wellness Association of Cebu said, through its president Johnnie Lim, will hold seminars and workshops on the Philippine massage (hilot). This endeavor is aimed at putting it (hilot) in the mainstream market, which at present is dominated by Thai or Swedish massage techniques.
Meanwhile, the Cebu Health and Wellness Council, where Lim is also a director, is pushing for a campaign to inform the local market of the facilities of the medical industry in Cebu. Lim said, “you do not have to go to Manila or the US to have your medical procedures, as Cebu hospitals and Cebu doctors are already capable.â€
