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| The Davao-Tacloban-Davao air route, launching in October, aims to boost tourism and business in Eastern Visayas, positioning Tacloban as a key MICE hub. Photo: Cebu Pacific/Facebook |
TACLOBAN CITY—A new air route, Davao-Tacloban-Davao, will begin this October and is expected to significantly enhance the tourism and business sectors in Eastern Visayas. This development is a major step in promoting the region to the Mindanao market and solidifying Tacloban’s role as a key destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE).
The Department of Tourism (DOT) in Eastern Visayas has been actively positioning Tacloban, Ormoc and Baybay as prime MICE destinations within the region. These cities are equipped with modern facilities, including large convention centers and hotels capable of hosting numerous visitors, making them ideal for large-scale events.
To ensure the success of the Davao-Tacloban route, the DOT emphasizes the need for collaboration among local government units, private stakeholders, and tour operators. They are encouraged to intensify efforts in marketing Eastern Visayas as a prime destination, particularly to potential tourists and business travelers from Davao and other parts of Mindanao.
This new air connection is expected to increase tourist arrivals, particularly for MICE-related events, which typically draw attendees who stay for several days and participate in post-conference tours. The ease of travel offered by the direct flights will make Eastern Visayas more accessible, potentially attracting more tourists and business investors.
For the business community, the new route offers a convenient way for entrepreneurs from Davao to explore investment opportunities in Eastern Visayas. The improved connectivity is anticipated to foster stronger regional business ties, facilitating economic growth.
Cebu Pacific has announced that the Davao-Tacloban flights will operate three times weekly—on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays—starting in October. Additionally, there are plans to revive the Iloilo-Tacloban-Iloilo route, which was discontinued after Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013, further expanding air travel options to and from Eastern Visayas. (Source: PNA)