Cebu City mayor asks establishments not to jack up prices for Sinulog

Local

HOTEL, resorts, and restaurants in Cebu were urged to avoid inflating prices as thousands of tourists are expected to flock to the city for the Sinulog next year.

Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia made the appeal to emphasize the importance of maintaining fair rates to accommodate both local and international visitors.

“I’m happy nga a lot of these hotel owners are recovering now kani nga Sinulog. And I’m hoping nga fully booked sila para makabawi-bawi sad sila sa prior years," he said.

"Previous years nga wala gyud sila makapapuno sa ilang mga kaugalingong hotel on a January,” Garcia added.

The mayor said that hotel bookings had declined in previous years, but the decision to bring the Sinulog grand parade back to the Cebu City Sports Center has boosted reservations for January.

He said advanced bookings are already nearing full capacity.

Garcia also urged businesses to strike a balance between demand and affordability, citing that price increases during major events are a global trend.

MyTV Cebu has sought comment from Alfred Reyes, president of the Hotel Resort and Restaurant Association of Cebu, but he has not yet responded as of press time.

Meanwhile, the Sinulog Foundation Inc. has officially confirmed that 26 contingents have registered for the Grand Parade and Ritual Showdown, with 10 from outside Cebu, 13 from Cebu City, and three from Cebu Province.

Although over 40 groups expressed interest, the mayor has decided to limit the number of contingents to 35 to ensure a well-organized event.

With Sinulog returning to its traditional venue, the city expects not only a cultural celebration but also a boost for Cebu’s hospitality and tourism sectors.

“So, I’m hoping and praying that it will be a successful Sinulog, not only for the participants but also for the business owners, like our own hotels,” Garcia said.(MyTVCebu)