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“The challenge now is on how to evolve the campaign,” he said.

Island Souvenirs has about 98 outlets nationwide, which are mostly company-owned.

Aldeguer said that the company considers putting up stand-alone concept stores if the campaign’s momentum is sustained.

Aldeguer also announced the company’s plan to open more land-based activities next year for its water adventure park in Talima, Olango Island, Lapu-Lapu City. He said the construction of the park’s second phase will also start next year.

The construction of the Talima Adventure Park was meant to boost adventure tourism in Cebu, said Aldeguer. He added that the company was overwhelmed by the feedback the park got that it decided to upgrade activities and facilities there.

Aldeguer also said the company will add eight new boats next year to the Islands Banca fleet to accommodate a growing number of customers. Islands Banca Cruises has nine bancas, at present.

“The Islands Group is really positioning its products and services to cater to the tourism market because we believe that this is one of the industries in the country that has the capacity and edge to sell…apart from the business process outsourcing and information technology,” Aldeguer said.

The Islands Group, he added, will also venture into a new business next year to help bolster Cebu’s tourism industry.

(Kathleen Cacho for Sunstar, December 2010)

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/business/p70m-expansion-eyed