UK firm cites GenSan tourism potentials

GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- The city's thriving economy has received a major boost after it was endorsed by a United Kingdom (UK)-based consulting firm as a viable tourism investment hub.

City Councilor Shandee Theresa Llido-Pestaño, chairperson of the city council's tourism committee, said Monday PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), a multinational professional services network headquartered in London, has developed an investment guide promoting the city's resources and potentials as an investment destination.

Entitled "Get into GenSan," Pestaño said the 12-page guide offers comprehensive data for investors to do business and invest in the city.

Pestaño said PwC country representatives presented the output during a business-to-business or B2B forum at the sidelines of the 3rd Region 12 or Soccsksargen trade and tourism expo held in Makati City.

The three-day event, dubbed "Treasures of Sox," was conducted from May 4 to 6 at the Glorietta Mall activity center.

Pestaño, who joined the B2B forum along with several city officials, said they were surprised with the endorsement from the PwC and the crafting of the investment guide."

"They endorsed the city as a potential investment hub, without our knowledge. They have crafted an investment guide, which for me is a very amazing development and contribution for the city, " she said in a statement.

Maria Rica Bueno, Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 12 director, said such development was an offshoot of a memorandum of understanding signed by their central office and PwC last March.

Bueno said the agreement designated the multinational firm as DOT's "knowledge partner" for the promotion of tourism investments, especially in "reimagining Visayas and Mindanao."

The MOU included the "sharing of information, expertise and technical assistance, organizing and undertaking activities to improve investment-readiness and attractiveness."

Leonard Flores, City Economic Management and Cooperative Development Office head, said the PwC initiative complements the city's ongoing development initiatives.

Florese said the endorsement was another boost to the local government's goal of becoming a more globally competitive, highly urbanized and business-friendly city. (PNA)