SuperCat Visayas route pull out weakens Cebu's tourism traffic

The business decision of Aboitiz-led fastcraft SuperCat to pull out operations in important routes in the Visayas, has resulted to a negative impact to Cebu's tourism trade, and weakened Cebu's bid to develop a "hub and spokes" strategy in the region.

Department of Tourism (DOT-7) regional director Patria Aurora Roa, expressed her concern of the SuperCat's route cut off especially in Bohol, Siquijor, and other destinations in the Visayas.

"Where are our fastferries?, the SuperCat? We need them this time that we are doubling our efforts to boost our tourism here," Roa said asking the help of the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) to find a resolution on this issue.

According to Roa, something has to be done to encourage fastcraft operators to continue their operations in plying the neighboring islands of Cebu, most importantly in Bohol.

Cebu and Bohol tandem has been very effective boosting both provinces' tourism activities, and she said fastcraft operation is very vital in this aspect.

Earlier, Aboitiz Equity Ventures (AEV) president Jon Ramon Aboitiz explained why the company pulled out the fast ferry operation especially in Bohol and in Negros routes, due to fast rising fuel prices.

According to Aboitiz, Bohol of instance has become an unprofitable route. Aside from rising fuel cost, Aboitiz also blamed the unregulated fast craft operations and provides unhealthy competition portal.

"We have a lot of competition, but not regulated by concerned agencies, such as safety and standards requirements," Aboitiz said adding that SuperCat had invested significant amount of money to provide world at par standard in fast ferry operations, and safety security, while other players he claimed are maintaining sub-standard operations.

Aboitiz said the company cannot go on operating while losing money. Instead, SuperCat is moving its operations in more profitable routes such as Iloilo, Batangas, and Ormoc.

Roa said fast ferry operations that serve neighboring islands in Cebu, is the backbone of the region-wide tourism development. Aboitiz' decision to cut off operations has affected the projected tourism growth.

The newly crafted Cebu Tourism Roadmap, chaired by Xavier Aboitiz, is strongly advocating for "hub and spokes" strategy or Cebu Plus formula-Making Cebu as the hub, and brining tourists to different island destinations around Cebu.

Aside from SuperCat, there are several smaller fast ferry companies operating in the neighboring islands, one of those is the Ocean Jet Fast Ferries Inc.

Currently, the five vessels of Ocean Jet is serving Tagbilaran, Tubigon, Larena (Siquijor), Misamis Occidental, and Hilongos, Leyte, using Cebu as the port hub.