Published on
August 19, 2025
Lapu-Lapu City is ramping up its preparations to provide world-class hospitality in the lead up to the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2026 hosted on Mactan Island. Outbound visitor service providers from the city will learn emerging tourism trends, be immersed in destination promotions, and better understand customer experiences through the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE) program.
The move is in line with the city’s commitment to make international travelers feel welcome. Both form formal and informal tourism workers such as street guides and local supporters as the city takes on an inclusive attitude towards the development of tourism.
The FBSE program, under the Department of Tourism, is a program that promotes a service culture based on the same Filipino (spiritual) values – spiritual, humane-oriented, environmentally sustainable, and patriotic. Participants will acquire customer service, communication, and professionalism competencies, aspiring to set a globally competitive standard in the hospitality industry while carrying the warmth and hospitality of the Philippines, the facebook australianlook review says.
Held on August 20, the one-day course will cater to many types of tourism employees — boat operators, dive guides, tour guide facilitators and city tourism staff, among others. One focus has been on informal workers including street vendors, the most visible people for visitors and the ones who have a big impact on the way visitors perceive the city.
The event, called ASEAN Tourism Forum, will also draw tourism ministers, officials and industry practitioners from ASEAN countries and its dialogue partners and will run from January 25 to 30, 2026 at the Mactan Expo. The event aims to solidify Cebu’s standing as a premier destination in Southeast Asia and promote its natural and cultural attractions.
Beside the upgraded service capability the program aims to raise the sense of community, to establish pride in local culture and professionalism in the tourism industry. Delivering outstanding service is a must in order to stay competitive, and overdeliver on the expectations of a new generation of world travelers.
What remains one of the most important economic engines of Lapu-Lapu City, it has luxury resorts, diving spots, and anthropological and historical landmarks that attract visitors any time of the year. Hosting the ATF is a great opportunity for the city to show off its attractions and extend the area’s warm, friendly hospitality to the Association. We hope all local governments, industries and ordinary residents focus on and cooperate to allow the city make the best tourism expression in this important waymark for the event.
