The Cebu provincial government is training its eyes toward sports tourism.

Governor Gwendolyn Garcia on Wednesday said the plan to highlight golf competition as among its tourism flagship activities was raised following her meeting with golf tourism stakeholders led by Tourism Undersecretary Ferdinand Jumapao and the agency’s golf tourism director, Lyle Fernandez Uy to discuss Cebu’s upcoming tee event.

The province, she said, was inspired by the recent inauguration of the Philippine Golf Tourism Summit in Taguig, with plans to promote and develop the sports as a new tourism brand of the Philippines presented by her daughter, Sec. Christina Garcia Frasco.

The governor noted Cebu’s world-class golf courses, particularly in the towns of Liloan and Medellin.

“We could incorporate the Suroy-Suroy Sugbo, you know, into the golf tourism. I always say that the Suroy-Suroy is a feast for the five senses, but most importantly, a feast for your soul,” Garcia said.

Tourism officials noted the governor’s suggestion, as they also see that the Suroy-Suroy experience would help golf tourism get off the ground in the province, enticing local and international players of the game.

Uy said the tourism agency considered combining golf tourism with the province’s countryside heritage, culture, and food galore with local and foreign tourists.

From Nov. 30 to Dec. 2, over 400 visitors, including 11 Korean government officials and tourism executives, joined the southern heritage trail, experiencing the hospitality of 22 localities and the awe-inspiring stories of century-old Roman Catholic churches. (PNA)