The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) was present at the product launch of The Hotel Elizabeth Resorts & Villas San Vicente on October 23, 2024, held at the Cebu City property of the said hotel chain. This event coincided with the launch of Cebu Pacific’s new flight route from Cebu to San Vicente. San Vicente, located in northern Palawan between Puerto Princesa and El Nido, is renowned for its long stretches of beach, particularly Long Beach. TIEZA has designated the entire municipality as a Flagship Tourism Enterprise Zone (TEZ).
The Hotel Elizabeth Resorts and Villas San Vicente (HESV) is a new beachfront resort hotel located in the pristine Long Beach shoreline. It is a registered tourism enterprise (RTE) under TIEZA.
The event welcomed guests from travel agencies, government agencies, tour operators and visitors interested in the San Vicente Flagship Tourism Enterprise Zone (FTEZ). Opening the launch was Fersal Hotel Group CEO Joel S. Fernando with presentations given by TIEZA’s Assistant Chief Operating Officer Atty. Karen Sarinas-Baydo; Cebu Pacific Sales Manager for Visayas and Mindanao, Ms. Strawberry Angeli Mercado; the Municipal Tourism Officer Ms. Lucy Panagsagan; and Ms. Matz Coloma, exclusive tour operator of Hotel Elizabeth.
TIEZA ACOO Atty. Karen Sarinas-Baydo showcased the master plan of San Vicente, and presented updates on ongoing San Vicente infrastructure projects including the development of the access roads going to the beach, 14-km solar street lighting, and upcoming water management facility. She also emphasized on the fiscal and non-fiscal incentives that may be availed of by tourism enterprises locating within the TEZ. She acknowledged the shared vision of fostering sustainable tourism and economic progress among the public and private sectors, reinforcing the importance of working together to achieve long-term success and enhance the locality’s overall quality of life.
As this area is tapped for tourism attraction and economic growth, Cebu Pacific through Ms. Mercado presented their new route that shall make the North Palawan region part of every traveler’s itinerary. With a 4x per week (TThSatSun) schedule of direct flights to San Vicente from Cebu, the connectivity of this route to the other domestic and international flights of the carrier can be easily maximized.
Tourism Officer Ms. Panagsagan highlighted the key tourism attractions that may be enjoyed such as island hopping, waterfalls, trekking, scenic viewpoints, diving, river cruise and surfing. She also highlighted services that are available and enterprises that are currently operating to cater to the needs of the tourists. These were also further discussed by Ms. Coloma, the exclusive tour operator of Hotel Elizabeth as product offerings or tour packages that the travel agencies may promote.
In his closing remarks, CEO Joel S. Fernando expressed his gratitude to TIEZA, Cebu Pacific, Municipality of San Vicente and other partners for their unwavering support and collaboration for the continued development of the San Vicente FTEZ, highlighting the collective effort in driving growth and innovation in the area.
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