Open Skies Mean More Foreign Flights To Cebu

[Mr Lee]

I have to wonder if the infrastructure of Cebu can handle the mass influx of new people that will eventually be flying in? I would say the govt needs to work on infrastructure first. CEBU, Philippines - Cebu shall expect more foreign airlines to open up direct flights from different destinations abroad, as airline companies abroad are now starting to conduct feasibility studies for possible direct flight operations in secondary destinations in the Philippines.Department of Tourism (DOT) assistant secretary Benito C. Bengzon, Jr. announced that several foreign airline companies are now looking at possibilities to open up direct flights specifically from Cebu.Bengzon said this is already the immediate effect of the newly implemented “Open Skies Policy” by President Benigno Aquino III administration.“We have sounded them off [foreign airlines] already, inviting them to fly to secondary destinations, like Cebu within the framework of the EO [Executive Order],” said Bengzon in an interview.On March 14, 2011 Aquino signed the EO 29 which authorizes the air panels and the Civil Aeronautics Board to pursue more aggressively the international civil aviation liberalization policy in secondary gateways.While Cebu Pacific Air maintained its appeal to re-consider the EO, Bengzon said DOT secretary Alfredo Lim already made discussions with the Gokongwei-owned airline.He said the pie of foreign travelers is increasing dramatically, so there is need to worry.Within the domestic travelers alone, there are a growing number of Filipinos traveling in and out of the country, as well as exploring the beautiful and charming tourism spots within the Philippines.The complete story HERE