More direct flights fuel tourism growth in CV

CEBU, Philippines - Increasing international direct flights to Cebu from other countries is among the factors driving the tourism growth in Central Visayas.

In an official report on the 2015 performance of the tourism sector, the Department of Tourism said this has increased tourist influx in the region.

In March this year alone, four new international flights from Cebu were launched to Dubai; Los Angeles; Xiamen, China; and Taipei.

Tourism stakeholders have said that the new flights would bring opportunities to Cebu both in tourism and business.

Sales missions to promote Central Visayas in local and international venue have also contributed to growth.

Last year, Cebu was also one of the meeting venues of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit.

"Cebu still had the biggest share constituting 72 percent of the total arrivals, while Negros Oriental's share is 14 percent, followed by Bohol with 13 percent and Siquijor of 1 percent," DoT noted in the report.

The agency said regional distribution of travelers posted a 14.29 percent growth last year compared to 2014.

Cebu City topped when it comes to the number of guests, followed by Lapu-Lapu City, Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental, Panglao in Bohol and Tagbilaran City.

In 2015, tourist arrivals in Region 7 reached 4.6 million, surpassing the 4.4 million target.

"This great accomplishment is shared with the 640 accommodation establishments and 93 LGUs with the respective tourism officer across the region," DoT said.

Korea remained the region's number one tourism market, followed by Japan, US and China. — (FREEMAN)