Cebu Pacific Promotes Davao in Philippines

Cebu Pacific Air, in partnership with the Philippines Department of Tourism, has launched a new initiative to promote travel to the country's southern metropolis, Davao City.

New attractions being discovered by international travelers include Samal Island, a tropical paradise of beautiful beaches and serene diving spots located just 15 minutes by boat from Davao City.

Davao City is also home to extreme watersports facilities ranging from wakeboarding to white water rafting, and from zip lining to off-roading. For adrenaline junkies, climbing the Philippine's highest peak, Mount Apo, is also an unforgettable excursion.

"Cebu Pacific promotes Davao City to worldly globetrotters looking for a new destination to discover. A tourist favorite in the Philippines for many years, Davao also has a strategic location when doing business with other booming cities in the region," said Cebu Pacific Vice President for Marketing and Distribution Candice Iyog.

Cebu Pacific flies direct from Davao to Manila, Cebu, Palawan (Puerto Princesa), and Kalibo (Boracay), among others.

With a population of over 1.5 million, Davao City is enjoying a surge in conventions and trade exhibitions, as tourism is expected to grow by 10-15% a year over the current rate of 1.2 million visitors. Davao City is also a base for exploring and doing business in nearby Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia.

Boosting Davao City's positioning as a preferred destination for the meetings, incentives, conventions & exhibitions (MICE) market, a new SM Mall incorporates a 5,000-seat convention center, while over 100 five star and deluxe hotels, with over 5,000 rooms, can accommodate the influx of tourists.

"The Philippines has a lot to offer tourists looking for the next destination to explore. Davao City and nearby Samal Island is easily accessible with Cebu Pacific's extensive Philippine route network and trademark lowest fares," Iyog added.

Cebu Pacific reported a 15.6% growth in the 1st half of 2013, in terms of passengers flown between Manila and mainland China compared to last year.

The airline will also increase flight frequency on existing services to Guangzhou in the 4th quarter of 2013.