Officials express increased optimism for Vis-Min region
It cannot be denied that many foreigners have fallen in love with Cebu and the locals, with their pleasant and welcoming nature having played a major role in the continued increase in tourist arrivals despite the global economic downturn.
This was the premise behind the tagline “Experience the Warmth of Cebu,” as coined by the GMCAC (GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corp.).
“We have asked many visitors what they loved best about Cebu. And they always had two answers; the place and the people,” shared JR Ramos, GMCAC branding head, during the T2 countdown ceremonies.
He added that a Cebu vacation starts at the airport, hence the urgent need to upgrade the facilities and amenities to cope with the expected upswell in arrivals. The company positions the airport as a resort destination, and envisions it to become the world’s friendliest airport.
The new tagline also coincides with the looming completion of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) Terminal 2 (T2), which currently stands at a 96 percent as of late March
Surge in optimism
In line with the airport management team’s vision, Atty. Steve Dicdican, MCIAA general manager, vowed to introduce initiatives to further increase comfort and convenience to the public.
Meanwhile, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza saw the large-scale airport developments as a challenge to improve city infrastructure, and invite more investments to compliment the new airport facilities.
“The airport is the reason why Lapu-Lapu City is well-known as we aim to be the gateway of trade and tourism in the region. We expect more international flights as a result of the continuous airport expansion,” she said.
As a note, though the city is named after Lapu-Lapu, a historical Cebuano chieftain, many still prefer to call the city Mactan—a municipality, which hosts majority of the posh resorts of Lapu-Lapu City.
GMCAC president, Louie Ferrer, proudly pointed out that in 2017 alone, six Chinese airlines made the Mactan airport their new home, attesting to the airport’s feasibility and viability as a true hub in the Visayas-Mindanao region.
“We look forward to the entry of more airline companies from Japan and Korea within the year. The new terminal will be more than ready to welcome these new airlines should they decide to set up shop in the airport,” he stated.
Andrew Harrison, GMCAC chief executive adviser announced the addition of more Cebu-Davao-Cebu flights in the next few months to cope with the demands, plus the re-entry of Qatar Airways within the year.
Harrison also pointed out that their ORAT (Operation Readiness and Airport Transfer) program would be ready for operation by June. This covers the testing of the facilities, processes and policies, information technology and airport systems, and manpower readiness. The first phase includes a walkthrough training and familiarization for all airport employees followed by different trial phases. Over 500 airport community stakeholders and volunteers will be invited to play the role of passengers in flight simulations during these trial phases.
To further complement the new facilities, world-renowned Cebuano fashion designer Cary Santiago introduced his line-up of new uniforms for the utility, customer service, and airport executives, utilizing red, orange, and yellow hues as inspired by the Sinulog Festival’s history.
GMCAC is a Filipino-led consortium managing the terminal operations and other related areas of the MCIA since November 2014.
 
By RICHARD RAMOS