Lapu tourism chief eyes eco-tours, heritage, roads

Eco-tourism and a “Walk to Remember” are among the priority projects of the new Lapu-Lapu city tourism officer, Hembler Mendoza.

Mendoza, who took over last Nov. 5, said he would focus on launching eco-tourism projects in Olango Island, Caubian Islands, and the Marine Minantaw Park and Sanctuary, which lies between Cebu and Bohol.

Mendoza said he would also focus on a walking heritage tour for visitors called “Walk to Remember” in the poblacion which hosts the Nuestra Senora del Regla church, a plaza, and the Muelle Osmena wharf.

Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza, who presented him on Friday, said the veteran hotelier could handle  a bigger scope of work because of his 25 years of experience in the hotel business dealing with tourism stakeholders.

Mendoza was the manager of the Waterfront Airport Hotel and Casino before he moved to Harolds Hotel as general manager.

Mendoza said he decided to shift fields and take on the challenge as the city’s tourism officer.

Mendoza replaced Fritzie Kohn, who is leaving the office in December.

Mendoza said he would join the ongoing Sangguniang Kabataan tourism and cultural mapping workshop, which orients youths on the city’s tourism spots.

He said he will also talk to Mayor Radaza about dilapidated and narrow roads in the city as well as malfunctioning traffic lights and streetlights.

Good basic infrastructure is needed to attract tourists and would benefit local residents as well, he said.