DoT, MCIA promote multi-island Visayas travel

The Department of Tourism (DoT), the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), and the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) have launched a campaign encouraging travelers to explore multiple destinations across the Visayas, with Cebu serving as a gateway to the region.

The groups signed a memorandum of understanding on 23 October at MCIA for the “Discover the Visayas, #FlyViaCebu” campaign, which aims to help travelers plan trips covering several islands rather than limiting their visits to a single destination.

Built around the theme “One Gateway. More Islands,” the campaign initially features Lapu-Lapu, Panglao, Boracay, Siquijor, Guimaras and Biliran.

The initiative brings together the DoT, PCCI through the Visayas Island-Chamber Tourism Alliance (VITA), and MCIA to promote the region’s varied destinations and provide practical travel information to visitors.

MCIA will serve as the campaign’s principal gateway, connecting domestic and international travelers arriving in Cebu with onward air, sea, and land transport options across the Visayas.

For passengers connecting to other flights, MCIA’s CEB Connects service facilitates transfers to and from the airport’s 28 domestic and 13 international destinations.

The service allows domestic-to-domestic connections with a minimum connection time of 35 minutes. Domestic-to-international and international-to-domestic transfers require at least 60 minutes. Passengers’ baggage is automatically transferred to connecting flights, eliminating the need to reclaim and recheck luggage during layovers.

The campaign highlights different experiences across the participating destinations. Visitors can explore the beaches, marine attractions, and historical sites of Lapu-Lapu; enjoy the white-sand beaches and diving opportunities of Panglao; or visit Boracay for its beaches, island activities, dining and nightlife.

Travelers seeking nature and cultural experiences can explore the waterfalls, beaches, and traditions of Siquijor; discover Guimaras’ mangoes and landscapes; or visit Biliran for its waterfalls, island escapes, and nature-based activities.

The campaign has also partnered with Trip.com for flight and hotel bookings and Klook for activities and experiences, including available partner deals and offers.

The memorandum was signed by MCIA general manager Ricia Vinelli Montejo, PCCI president Ferdinand Ferrer, and DoT Undersecretary for Tourism Development Planning Stanley Ng.

Witnesses included Aboitiz InfraCapital first vice president and head of Corporate Affairs Christopher Camba, Aboitiz InfraCapital Airports head of Tourism Destination Marketing Blessie Cruz, VITA chairman and Lapu-Lapu Chamber of Commerce president Anthony Noel, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Cindi Chan, PCCI Area vice president for Visayas Jobert Peñaflorida, PCCI Central Visayas Regional Governor Felix Taguiam, and DoT Region 7 director Gelena Asis-Dimpas.