The information technology industry in Dumaguete City has reached its peak, prompting businessmen to shift to other ventures including the tourism industry, Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Ed Du said.

Du urged businessmen to step up, take the risk, and not to wait for outsiders to benefit from the shortage of hotel rooms in the city.

A shortage of at least 200 hotel rooms was noted during recent national conventions in Dumaguete, with some of the guests billeted outside the city.

The NOCCI president has encouraged local businessmen to take the lead, and to act now before outside investors dominate the market.

Three hotels are now undergoing construction, the Novo Hotel at Perdices Street, Tops and Bottoms Hotel at Real Street, and the 102-room Go Hotel near Robinsons.

The Go Hotel is unique because of its online booking with an airline company that is very ideal during conventions.

Du said the role of the chamber is to entice more investments in the city, which would mean more job opportunities and more economic activities.

The presence of the mall in Dumaguete has also encouraged a bus operator in Negros to increase its trips daily.

Candelario Lumada, branch manager of Vallacar Transit Inc., operators of Ceres buses in Negros, said they are fielding 140 units for the entire island, and that, there are plans to acquire more.*JG

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