Bohol airport won't dent Cebu tourism

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu’s world-class brand positioning will continue to attract tourists around the world, and the opening of Bohol’s international airport is not seen to lessen Cebu’s tourism allure.

This is the assurance made by tourism chief Bernadette Romulo-Puyat on the impression that Cebu may be affected with the opening of Bohol’s international airport in Panglao Island.

The P7.8 billion Panglao airport is expected to open this month. This new airport in Bohol will have a capacity of two million passengers a year.

“Tourists will still opt to land in Cebu and enjoy its unique tourism offering,” said Puyat when asked on the possible tourism effects of the opening of Panglao international airport to Cebu’s tourism.

Ever since, Cebu and Bohol have been regarded as power-duo destinations, as the two island provinces charm are complementary.

Puyat said the world class brand of Cebu being the home-city of branded names like Kenneth Cobonpue, Neil Felipp San Pedro’s collection of minaudieres, which pieces were used in the Crazy Rich Asians film, among others is also something that add allure to Cebu as a destination worth to visit, in addition to experiencing the eco-tourism edge of Bohol.

Moreover, Puyat assured Cebu tourism stakeholders that the opening of the Panglao International airport shouldn’t threaten them as Cebu is an established brand in the global tourism market.