The inaugural Tokyo Narita–Cebu flight with United Airlines, the first American carrier to offer flights to Mactan Cebu International Airport.Travelers between Cebu and mainland U.S. can connect via Tokyo without changing airlines. (Screenshot from DOT-7’s presentation)
CEBU CITY, Cebu (PIA) — The Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 7 emphasized the growing flight frequency in Central Visayas as a key factor in boosting foreign tourist arrivals in the region.
During the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas interview on March 4, DOT-7 regional director Judy Gabato said the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), a hub for both domestic and international travel, continues to see impressive traffic numbers.
“With over 1,606 weekly domestic flights and over 366 international flights as of Feb. 13, the airport ensures that Cebu remains highly accessible to travelers across the globe,” said Gabato.
She said the region is witnessing an increase in flight options, contributing significantly to the growth of international tourism.
In 2024, MCIA launched direct flights from Narita, Japan, to Cebu via United Airlines, the first-ever American carrier to land in Cebu, promoting further international tourism.
Additionally, the resumption of Philippine Airlines’ Cebu-Osaka flights and the introduction of new direct services from Korea to Bohol via Aero K and Air Busan have broadened the region’s air travel network.
“These initiatives are helping fuel the region’s growth as a sought-after destination,” said Gabato.
Philippine Airlines also recently inaugurated flights connecting Cebu and Catarman, Northern Samar.
The new route, offering three weekly flights, enhances travel convenience between Cebu and Northern Samar
Gabato said that this opened up opportunities for tourism and business between the two provinces.
“This new route provides a convenient way to travel between Cebu and Catarman, opening up more opportunities for tourism and business in Northern Samar,” she said.
Both Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines are expanding their international reach.
Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines on May 2 will launch direct flights to mainland Vietnam to provide passengers with wider travel options and convenience.
“Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines have also expanded their international offerings from Cebu… providing passengers with wider travel options and more convenience,” she said.
Growing tourism markets
Gabato revealed that the top foreign markets for tourism in Region 7 remain strong, with visitors from Korea, the United States, Japan, and China consistently making up the largest share of international arrivals.
She added that the region has seen a notable increase in travelers from emerging markets such as Taiwan, Australia, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and Canada, driven by intensified marketing campaigns and improved flight options.
In particular, Korea holds the highest percentage of the market share in Region 7 with 41.17 percent of international arrivals.
Following Korea are the USA with 9.39 percent, Japan 9.08 percent, China 5.09 percent, Taiwan 3.55 percent, Australia 2.88 percent, Germany 2.38 percent, France 2.18 percent, the United Kingdom 2.14 percent, and Canada 1.68 percent. (MSH/PIA 7 Cebu)
