AWARD-WINNING Mactan-Cebu International Airport, operated by Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation, serves as the country’s largest transfer gateway outside Metro Manila and continues to expand its domestic and international route network.
PHOTOGRAPH courtesy of MCIA
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Aboitiz InfraCapital Airports said stronger air connectivity, closer collaboration among tourism stakeholders and continued destination development are key to sustaining Cebu’s position as one of the country’s leading meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) hubs.
Speaking during the Cebu Business Month 2026 MICE Tourism Summit, industry leaders from the public and private sectors emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to enhance Cebu’s competitiveness as a venue for international business events.
Hosted at The Glass Pavilion in Mactan Newtown Beach, the summit gathered representatives from the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), the Department of Tourism (DoT), the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA), local government units, airlines, business groups and tourism stakeholders.Aboitiz InfraCapital Airports highlighted stronger air connectivity, tourism partnerships, and destination development as key to reinforcing Cebu’s position as a premier MICE and international travel hub.
Role of aviation connectivity
As operator of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corp. (ACAC) participated in discussions highlighting the role of aviation connectivity, tourism partnerships and destination marketing in driving both business and leisure travel.
Rafael Aboitiz, head of Aboitiz InfraCapital Airports and chairman of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Lapu-Lapu City, said collaboration among government, businesses and the tourism sector remains central to Cebu’s long-term growth.
“Cebu’s strength lies in the partnerships we continue to build across government, business, and the tourism industry. When we work together with a shared vision, we create an environment where connectivity, investment and visitor experiences reinforce one another. That collaboration is what will continue to position Cebu as a globally competitive destination for both business and leisure travel,” Aboitiz said.
A separate panel discussion on air connectivity and destination marketing brought together representatives from Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines and Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corp. to discuss airline partnerships, route development, passenger experience and destination promotion.
Beyond airport infrastructure
Christine Villanueva, head of communications and strategy at Aboitiz InfraCapital Airports, said connectivity extends beyond airport infrastructure and requires coordinated efforts across the tourism value chain.
“Connectivity happens when airports, tourism stakeholders, local governments and national agencies work together to build destinations that people genuinely want to visit — and return to. When we get that equation right, airlines don’t need to be convinced. They come because the market is already there,” Villanueva said.
She added that the airport operator has expanded its role beyond transportation through programs such as CEB Connects, CEB+, CEBEx and CEB-Balik, which aim to improve air-to-air, air-to-sea and air-to-land connectivity while supporting overseas Filipino workers and tourism development.
Largest transfer gateway outside Metro Manila
MCIA currently serves as the country’s largest transfer gateway outside Metro Manila and continues to expand its domestic and international route network.
