Qatar Airways stops Cebu-Doha flights

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu tourism stakeholders expressed dismay over the alleged decision of Qatar Airways to stop operating in Cebu with the stoppage of its direct flight going to Doha.

“I believe it’s a combination of factors that pushed Qatar Airways to that decision: the uncertain fuel price developments, the low cargo revenues, the low yield from business-class,” said Hotel, Resorts, and Restaurant Association of Cebu (HRRAC) president Hans Hauri.

Likewise the CCT (common carrier tax of 2.5 percent and Philippine Billing Tax (PBT) of 1.5 percent also hurt the operation of the airline.

“What appears offensive is that a bilateral air agreement has come to waste and no other carrier can fill this void. It takes long negotiations before such agreements are finalized. Cebu’s success of its summer tourist season is now put in doubt,” Hauri said.

Hauri said HRRAC appeals Qatar Airways management for a reconsideration “as we need their service for our connection to and from Europe.”

He said traffic via Manila is not a desirable option. Hauri further suggested that the Department of Tourism (DOT) must intervene to reach the goal of foreign tourist arrivals for over four million for 2012.

“We appeal to QR not to suspend their flights,” Hauri said.

In an advisory sent to the airlines’ valued institutional clients in Cebu, it stated that the airline has decided to stop its commercial operation in Cebu through the Cebu-Doha (vice versa) flights starting March 26 this year, due to the routes unprofitability, and higher cost of operations, as well as unpredictable fuel prices.

Qatar Airways started its Cebu-Singapore-Doha direct flights about eight years ago. Later, the Airline implemented a non-stop flight from Cebu to Doha, escaping a two-hour stop-over in Singapore.

Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) chairperson for Tourism Committee Milagros Espina said that the decision of Qatar Airways to stop operating in Cebu will affect Cebu’s tourism base to some European and middle eastern markets especially in business and investments.

“There is a need to invigorate travel interests in this area to make it profitable,” said Espina.

Tourism capitalist and advocate Jay P. Aldeguer also said that this decision is going to be a big blow to tourism in Cebu.

“While I know Cebu is resilient and will be able to cope with the setback, it’s really high time we have more integrated tourism plan if we truly want to be a world class destination,” said Aldeguer.

Tourism consultant and former DOT-7 regional director Patria Aurora “Dawnie” Roa also said that that suspension of the Qatar Airways’ operation to Cebu may bring negative impact to the tourism sector in the province, but the airline has valid reasons for doing it.

“I can’t blame them [Qatar Airways]. They are not here for charity. I am saddened by the news because it’s our only connection to Europe. Hopefully, there will be another airline to operate the route soon,” Roa said adding that the development will surely bring negative impact to tourism sector in Cebu, as connectivity to the emerging European and Middle Eastern traffic is now impaired.

Travel agency operator, and chairperson of the National Association of Independent Travel Agents (Naitas-Cebu) Jenny Franco also expressed similar sentiment, saying this development will bring in another setback to the industry.

The Freeman tried to reach and contact any representative from Qatar Airways for confirmation, but failed to talk to designated spokesperson.

However, industry stakeholders here confirmed that they have received the advisory from the Qatar Airways’ office for the permanent suspension of the Cebu-Doha direct flight after eight years of commercial operation. (FREEMAN)