DAVAO CITY — Davao Tourism Association (DATA) President Nicole Bian-Ledesma underscored that the additional new routes of Cebu Pacific Air (CEB) from and to Davao City marked an achievement in enhancing connectivity that would bring in more tourism trade and investments, networking, and collaboration.
“Specifically, the international flights would open the region to the rest of the world as HK (Hong Kong) and Bangkok are major tourism hubs,†Ms. Ledesma told Businessworld.
Cebu Pacific Air has inaugurated the additional domestic and international flights from Davao City in dusitD2 in Davao City on Saturday, making Mindanao’s economic and cultural center even more connected with other parts of the Philippines and the rest of the world.
Starting October 27, CEB operated daily flights between Davao City and Caticlan and Puerto Princesa and four times weekly flights to Hong Kong. Meanwhile, thrice weekly flights to Bangkok-Don Mueang started on Oct. 28, and thrice weekly flights to Tacloban starting on Oct. 29.
Prior to this, passengers from Davao had to book connecting flights from Manila and spend up to eight hours traveling to reach Hong Kong and Bangkok with layovers.
“With CEB’s direct international flights from Davao, passengers will no longer need to pay more for an additional stop or wait at another airport during their layover,†it said.
CEB also stated that from Davao, passengers may now reach Hong Kong and Bangkok in 3.5 hours and save up to five hours in travel time. Passengers from Davao may also save up to 35% on one-way fares to Hong Kong and up to 99% on one-way fares to Bangkok on direct flights with CEB.
The airline also said that the direct flights from Davao to Caticlan, Puerto Princesa, and Tacloban will open new opportunities for travelers to explore each destination’s iconic attractions, delectable cuisine, and vibrant culture.
Currently, CEB operates direct flights to Manila, Cebu, Clark, Bacolod, Cagayan De Oro, Iloilo, Siargao, Tagbilaran, and Zamboanga from Davao.
“Davao City is more than ready to welcome tourists, and we encourage the private sector to maximize this connectivity by exploring new partnerships, creating new tourism products, and enhancing guest experiences,†Ms. Ledesma said.
Meanwhile, CEB Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer Candice A. Iyog said the airline is thrilled to expand its network to and from Davao, strengthening the city’s connectivity both locally and globally.
Ms. Iyog said with the addition of these domestic and international flights, Cebu Pacific reaffirms its commitment to supporting Davao’s growing role as a key economic hub.
She said these routes offer greater convenience for travelers and open new opportunities for tourism, business, and cultural exchange, all while promoting inclusive growth in the region.
Currently, CEB operates 35 domestic, and 26 international destinations spread across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. — Maya M. Padillo
