DOT, MCIAA welcome Routes Asia 2019 delegates to Cebu
CEBU—The Department of Tourism (DOT) and its cohost Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) exhibited the Filipino brand of hospitality once again during the opening of Routes Asia 2019 in Cebu.
“Three years ago, we had the privilege of hosting this prestigious event in Manila and it raised the international profile of the city as one of the key gateways of the country to the world. The positive feedback received from the delegates, organizers, and guests inspired us to bring this event once more to our shores. And we were thinking, what better place to host this event than Cebu?” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat remarked.
With delegates being ushered in the arched timber terminal reception of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), they experienced the warm welcome of Filipino, specifically from the Cebuanos, complimented with amenities and festive welcome performances.
“I am in agreement with our President Rodrigo Roa Duterte when he said that with its elegance and resortlike feel, the gateway [MCIA] dubbed as the only Resort Airport in Asia, is definitely the most beautiful airport in the country today,” Puyat added.
“Beyond the nice wood, the glass, the concrete, the airport really is a physical symbol of confidence in the market and in the destination. It’s a physical symbol of the confidence of the aviation community, the travel trade and what Cebu has to offer,” Undersecretary for Tourism Development Benito Bengzon Jr. said a news press conference.
Members of the aviation community joined pre-event tours around the Queen City of the South, Cebu City, visiting heritage and cultural destinations including the Magellan’s Cross and Fort de San Pedro.
Other delegates went for the destination’s sun and beach Mactan island hopping tour at Hilutungan and Nalusuan Islands.
A number of delegates also feasted their eyes on the world-renowned Chocolate Hills, met the smallest primate at the Tarsier Santuary and cruised the Loboc River in Bohol.
An exclusive tour for the airlines executives and charter operators also showcased the best of the Central Visayas region.
“This new gateway [MCIA] connects Cebu not only to the entire Philippines but to the world.… The MCIA is the reason why our visitors have better access to the pristine beaches and a whole lot of fun activities that Cebu has to offer,” Puyat added.
On the other hand, MCIA A General Manager Steve Dicdican explained during the news conference that “what makes Cebu different from all the other, destinations is the friendliness .... In our airport, we want to match that dynamic that’s why we took up the strategic objective of being a passenger-friendly airport.”
Among the aviation key figures and route development regional movers and shakers that gathered in the Travel + Leisure second World’s Friendliest Island, Cebu, were Routes Brand Director Steven Small, Transportation Assistant Secretary Mark Steven Pastor, GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corp. Chief Commercial Advisor Ravishankar Saravu, IATA Regional Vice President for Asia-Pacific Conrad Clifford, ASM Senior Vice President of Consulting and Product Development Nigel Mayes, Philippine Airlines Vice President for Sales Ryan Uy and Cebu Pacific Air Chief Operating Officer Michael Ivan Shau.