Cebu's tourist arrivals increasing

CEBU, Philippines - The increasing numbers of international and domestic flights and passenger arrivals at the Mactan Cebu International Airport has disproved earlier report that Cebu was dropped from the list of Top Island Destinations in 2010 magazine survey by Conde Nast.

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia yesterday presented to the media figures that would disprove the claim of her known critic, Cebu City south district Rep. Tomas Osmeña, who earlier said Cebu was left behind because its tourism thrust was set on the wrong priorities.

Garcia, in a press conference, said that the figure in terms of passengers or arrival at the Mactan Cebu International Airport is the gauge of the state of tourism in Cebu.

MCIA served 23,698 international and domestic flights in 2010 which is seven percent higher than the 22,129 flights in 2009.

It also served 5.4 million international and domestic passengers in 2010 which is 14 percent higher than the 4.7 passengers in 2009.

At present, MCIA serves 473 domestic flights and 91 international flights in a week.

“What does this mean in terms of passengers or arrivals? Mao na’y gauge nato og unsa’y estado sa turismo dinhi,” Garcia said.

The governor said people find it more convenient to fly from Cebu to go to other destinations in the country.

Cebu used only to have 22 flights to Manila but at present it has 31 flights per day. Aside from Manila, MCIA also serves 19 other destinations in the country.

MCIA likewise serves six international destinations such as Incheon and Busan in South Korea; Singapore; Hongkong; Narita in Japan and Doha in Qatar.

Every week, there are 37 flights to Incheon, 22 in Singapore, 14 in Hongkong, nine in Busan, six in Narita and two in Doha. — (FREEMAN)