AirAsia Aids Domestic Tourism to Cebu in Time for Summer

To help stimulate tourism in the province of Cebu, AirAsia Philippines has partnered with a group of hotel and restaurant operators. AirAsia is now the corporate airline partner of the Hotel Resort and Restaurant Association of Cebu Inc (HRRACI), said the carrier on Thursday.

Covid-19 cases in Cebu have “significantly decreased” over the past weeks which will most likely lead to a “strong comeback”, especially during summertime, AirAsia explained.

Various areas around the province, including Cebu City, were once identified as hotspots for the virus after a substantial number of infections were recorded. Since then, Cebu’s situation has progressed.

“Filipinos are looking forward to traveling this summer. Though the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) in the NCR plus has greatly affected the decision-making of most local travelers, we believe that there will be enough time for our ‘kababayans’ to ‘beat the summer heat’ and visit Cebu,” said Ricky Isla, CEO of AirAsia Philippines.

According to HRRACI President Alfred Reyes, domestic tourism coupled with proper strategies can contribute to tourism recovery. Unfortunately, hindrances around domestic travel remain due to several government restrictions, like the recent moratorium of the local government of Region 6 to suspend acceptance of incoming travelers.

On the other hand, daily international travel in the country is also capped to 1,500 due to the surge in Covid cases. Preparations for when travel returns to normal levels are already being done by the Department of Tourism, it said on Wednesday.

The DOT also considered the adoption of the global digital travel pass developed by the International Air Transportation Association (IATA), which conforms to international standards, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat explained. At least 20 carriers have embraced the digital pass including recognizable brands like Singapore Airlines and Emirates.

Source: ABS CBN