Guangzhou to Start Chartered Flights to Cebu on July 9

Source: Manila Bulletin

The Cebu Department of Tourism (DoT) has confirmed that the much-awaited twice-weekly chartered flights from Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong in China, to Cebu will finally start on July 9, further boosting the vibrant tourism industry of the province.

In exclusive interview with the Manila Bulletin, Tourism Undersecretary for Planning and Promotions Edu Jarque revealed that the inaugural flight next week through the China Southern Airlines has already sold out, and several Chinese tourists from the largest city in one of China's wealthiest provinces have been inquiring about the chartered flights.

"They want to see Cebu. They want to have leisure holiday and they believe Cebu is the answer," said Jarque, who just arrived from Guangzhou to attend the press conference announcing the inaugural chartered flight.

Jarque said Cebu was the talk-of-the-crowd during the press conference that was attended by more than 1,000 people, who all expressed interest in visiting Cebu through the chartered flights.

He said the vibrant tourism industry and the economy of Cebu will surely be further boosted noting that these Chinese tourists come from wealthy classes who are great shoppers and willing spenders.

"We look forward to the new opportunities that the flights will create not only for Cebu but also for Bohol," said Jarque, adding that the Guangzhou package multi-island excursions for those who want to adventure beyond Cebu.

The new flight offerings are part of Tourism Secretary Ace Durano's plans to maximize the growing Chinese outbound travel market, said Jarque.

The tour package is being handled by GZL International Travel Services Co., one of the largest travel enterprises in Guangzhou, that signs up the chartered flight contract until the end of this year.

Jarque said he spoke with GZL Chief Executive Officer Baiyu Chen who expressed optimism about the chartered flights to Cebu. He said Chen was confident that they can fill in the twice-weekly chartered flights to Cebu.

The DOT will be providing assistance in the form of promotion – printing of reading materials, press releases, newspaper and magazine advertisements, seminars, and workshops – to sustain the chartered flights.

"We hope to make enough noise in China to be able to sustain it," said Jarque, referring to the new chartered flights.

The Guangzhou-Cebu chartered flight is very important to the tourism industry of Cebu because Jarque said other provinces in China will be looking at the success or failure of the program.

"If it catches on, other provinces in China will surely follow and other airlines will surely be looking for partners to also start their chartered flights to Cebu," said Jarque.

(By MARS W. MOSQUEDA JR)

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Editor: Jessie Hwang