New airport terminal seento usher in more Koreans

CEBU, Philippines — Plantation Bay Resort and Spa expects more Korean tourists in Cebu after the opening of Mactan International Airport terminal 2 next month.

According to the resort's general manager Efren Belarmino, Cebu is becoming one of the most prominent destinations among Koreans specifically that direct flights are increasing.

The Cebuaono-owned five-star resort recently concluded its seven-day roadshow in two cities in Korea — Seoul and Busan.

More than sustaining the resort's appeal to Korean tourists, Belarmino said Plantation Bay Resort and Spa's 18-men roadshow was also a gesture of gratitude to the Korean travelers, travel agents, and partners.

Today, Korean's long-time position as number one foreign guest for the Resort, is overtaken by the resurgence of the Japanese market.

However, Belarmino said with the entry of more direct flights and flight frequency going to various cities in Korea, the number of Korean nationals coming to Cebu is more likely to double, either for leisure or brief ESL (English as Second Language) sessions.

The 255-room resort registered an average of 88 percent occupancy rate year-to-date. This is seen to improve further in the coming months, significantly after the opening of the terminal 2.

The resort is also introducing fresher and interactive event packages to boost the emerging family market for both Japanese and Korean nationals.

One of the many interactive events include family bonding through learning how to prepare pinoy favorite "Halo-Halo" as well as father-and-son bonding and events designed to strengthen mother-and-daughter bond.

The resort’s renovation project is now half-way through, Belarmino said.

Plantation Bay Resort and Spa, he added is joining Cebu in preparing for the influx of tourists, not only  Koreans to visit Cebu but other foreign markets, as it showcases its modern airport, and positioned as the world's friendliest airport.(FREEMAN)