Air connections deemed more important than tourism slogan

CEBU, Philippines - Although the tourism slogan “It’s more fun in the Philippines” seems to be a promising brand for the country, the country also has to take into consideration the availability of overseas air connections.Tourism consultant Patria Aurora “Dawnie” Roa said that while it is good to come up with good promotion collaterals to boost the attraction of the Philippines to foreign travelers, “access is more important.”

Roa mentioned the decision of Qatar Airways to stop flying direct from Cebu to Doha, Qatar, which was supposedly the only connection of Cebu to the emerging European and Middle Eastern markets.

Roa, who served as Department of Tourism (DOT-7) regional director for over two decades, said that the government must open more air bilateral agreements with other countries, or use the existing agreements and invite foreign airlines to come, while relaxing some of the existing regulatory requirements.

Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino general manager Alfred Portenschlager said if Cebu wants to take advantage of its potential to attract high-end business and leisure travelers all over the world, it has to work hard on putting on the right infrastructure, and providing travel accessibility should be the first priority.

Although there are a number of low-cost airlines providing travel access to different destinations in Asia, Portenschlager said business and the wealthy travelers prefer convenience over cost.

He said Cebu should not cheapen itself as a destination, because it has huge potential to attract the middle to high-end market, which can afford to spend more on transportation cost, leisure, and others.

He added that it is “hard” for the business market to be forced to transfer to low-cost just to get to Cebu. Otherwise, there are wide alternatives for a business and leisure destination among the Asian countries.

Portenschlager said competition is tough, Cebu or the Philippines should step up in seizing the opportunity to boost tourism.

Just like Roa, Portenschlager also commended the good tourism promotion slogan of the Philippines, but this has to be complemented by good infrastructure and easy access.

On the other hand, DOT undersecretary for tourism planning and promotions Daniel G. Corpuz earlier announced during his recent visit to Cebu, that the DOT is currently working with the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) to add more flights from other areas in the country, both domestic and international access.

Early this year, Qatar Airways announced to quit its commercial direct flight from Cebu to Doha blaming the routes unprofitability, and higher cost of operations, as well as unpredictable fuel prices. (FREEMAN)