The vibrant world of outdoor tourism in Central Visayas took a significant leap forward on Friday, February 27, 2026, with the launch of a groundbreaking year-round hub for homegrown adventure brands. This innovative initiative was unveiled during the fourth Outdoors7 Summit 2026, organized by the Department of Tourism Central Visayas (DOT 7) at The Terraces of Ayala Center Cebu.
A Permanent Convergence Space for Adventure
DOT 7 Officer-in-Charge Director Gelena Asis-Dimpas announced that the Outdoors7 Hub represents a strategic shift from the traditional three-day summit format to a continuous, dynamic convergence space. This permanent facility will serve as a dedicated platform where adventure tour operators and local product makers can regularly showcase their offerings to a broad audience.
"This year, it's not just the summit," Asis-Dimpas emphasized, highlighting the hub's role as a comprehensive jump-off point for visitors. "The hub will provide accessible information, activity sign-ups, and special packages, particularly as the summer season approaches, making adventure tourism more accessible and organized."
ROX as Pilot Partner with Rotating Features
The Outdoors7 Hub will be hosted by ROX (Recreational Outdoor Exchange), which has been selected as the pilot store partner for this ambitious project. This retail space will feature a rotating selection of brands and tour packages throughout the year, with approximately ten pilot product features already scheduled for 2026.
Canyoneering in Kawasan, Badian town, Cebu—a famous activity highlighted during the summit—will be the first featured adventure. Subsequent months will spotlight other outdoor disciplines including:
- Paragliding
- Trekking
- Trail running
- Kayaking and paddling
Supporting Local Exhibitors and Communities
Glenford Pangan, store manager of ROX Cebu, detailed how the hub will operate with scheduled two-week display cycles spread across the year, providing equal exposure to both local and international brands. An estimated fifty exhibitors are expected to benefit from this structured approach.
"We're supporting not just homegrown products, but also local craftsmen and recycled-material makers," Pangan stated. "This initiative is fundamentally about promoting quality products while simultaneously supporting sustainable livelihoods and economic opportunities within our communities."
He further explained that the hub will offer visibility to local tours and brands from Cebu, Bohol, and surrounding areas, positioning them in a major retail space accessible to both domestic and international visitors. To ensure fair distribution, different local tours and brands will be featured each month.
Elevating Standards and Sustainability
Asis-Dimpas underscored that the partnership aims to strengthen the outdoor community while positioning Central Visayas as a premier adventure tourism hub. The summit's industry forums continue to address critical shared concerns, including safety standards, environmental issues, and international certification requirements for operators.
While last year's discussions focused on emergency response protocols among local government units, responders, and hospitals, this year's emphasis shifts toward encouraging operators to pursue international accreditation. This move is designed to boost visitor confidence and ensure compliance with global safety standards, enhancing the region's reputation.
A Collaborative Three-Day Summit
The three-day Outdoors7 Summit 2026, co-created by DOT 7 and the region's outdoor community, features comprehensive exhibits, networking sessions, and forums. These activities highlight homegrown adventure tourism products from Central Visayas and the Negros Island Region, fostering collaboration and innovation within the sector.
This launch marks a transformative step in promoting sustainable outdoor tourism, offering a model for continuous engagement and support for local economies while maintaining high standards of safety and environmental responsibility.
