TACLOBAN CITY—The opening of new air routes between Tacloban City and other cities in Visayas and Mindanao is expected to strengthen connectivity between the two regions and boost the local economy.
Last October 29, budget carrier Cebu Pacific launched two new direct flights between this city and Iloilo and Davao.
Cebu Pacific currently operates four round-trip flights to Iloilo City (every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday), and three round trips to Davao City (every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday).
The airline had earlier operated flights between Iloilo City and Tacloban City, but they were halted after supertyphoon "Yolanda" in 2013 caused damage to the Tacloban airport.
Department of Tourism (DOT) - Eastern Visayas Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes said the new flights to the regional capital offer travelers greater convenience and accessibility.
“With these additional flight options, traveling has never been easier. Whether you’re on a business trip, reconnecting with loved ones, or exploring the unique charms of these cities, you’re now just one flight away,” Tiopes said in a statement.
The official added that the new flights between Tacloban and Davao by Cebu Pacific are a big factor in promoting the region to the Mindanao market and in making Tacloban a "meetings, incentives, conferences, and events/exhibitions" (MICE) destination.
Tacloban City, along with Ormoc City and Baybay City, are positioned by the regional tourism office as MICE destinations in Eastern Visayas due to the presence of facilities, such as convention centers and big hotels that can accommodate many visitors.
The Iloilo-Tacloban-Iloilo flights will link islands in the Visayas and support the proposed “One Visayas” initiative.
Tiopes said that under the program, which will be launched in December, there are identified tour operators willing to do the costing as they come up with thematic tour programs for the three Visayas regions.
“Connectivity is not a problem since we have flights to Cebu and Iloilo. Since this is a long-haul tour, this is good for our inbound foreign guests,” she said.
(With report from PNA)
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