Davao Tourism Association (DATA) President Nicole Bian-Ledesma said that the additional new routes of Cebu Pacific Air (CEB) from and to Davao City will enhance tourism connectivity and bring in more trade and investments, networking, and collaboration.
“Specifically, the international flights would open the region to the rest of the world as Hong Kong and Bangkok are major tourism hubs,” Ledesma told Edge Davao.
Cebu Pacific Air inaugurated the additional domestic and international flights from Davao City in DusitD2 in Davao City on Saturday, making Mindanao’s economic and cultural center even more connected within the country and to the rest of the world.
CEB started on October 27 its daily flights between Davao City and Caticlan and Puerto Princesa and the four weekly flights to Hong Kong on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
Meanwhile, thrice weekly flights to Bangkok-Don Mueang started on October 28, and thrice weekly flights to Tacloban will begin on October 29.
According to CEB, passengers from Davao used to book connecting flights from Manila and spend up to eight hours traveling to reach Hong Kong and Bangkok with layovers.
“With CEB’s direct international flights from Davao, passengers will no longer need to pay more for an additional stop or wait at another airport during their layover,” it said.
CEB also stated that from Davao, passengers may now reach Hong Kong and Bangkok in just three and a half hours and save up to five hours in travel time. Passengers from Davao may also save up to 35% on one-way fares to Hong Kong and up to 99% on one-way fares to Bangkok.
The airline also said that the direct flights from Davao to Caticlan, Puerto Princesa, and Tacloban will open new opportunities for travelers to explore each destination’s iconic attractions, delectable cuisine, and vibrant culture.
CEB currently operates direct flights to Manila, Cebu, Clark, Bacolod, Cagayan De Oro, Iloilo, Siargao, Tagbilaran, and Zamboanga from Davao.
“Davao City is more than ready to welcome tourists and we encourage the private sector to maximize this connectivity by exploring new partnerships, creating new tourism products, and enhancing guest experiences,” Ledesma said.
Meanwhile, CEB chief marketing and customer experience officer Candice Iyog said the airline is thrilled to expand its network to and from Davao, strengthening the city’s connectivity both locally and globally.
Iyog said with the addition of these domestic and international flights, Cebu Pacific reaffirms its commitment to supporting Davao’s growing role as a key economic hub.
She said these routes offer greater convenience for travelers and open new opportunities for tourism, business, and cultural exchange, all while promoting inclusive growth in the region.
Currently, CEB operates 35 domestic and 26 international destinations spread across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.
