Which promotes greater connectivity and tourism development across the region.
Last October 13 and 14, the 52nd Philippine Business Conference and Expo (PBC&E) was held at The Manila Hotel in Manila.
Organized by Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the annual PBC&E brought together business leaders, policymakers, economists, and development partners under the theme “Raising the Bar: Empowering Business for a Resilient Future.”
The conference focused on strengthening Philippine enterprises amid global economic uncertainties, advancing competitiveness, and fostering partnerships that support sustainable and inclusive growth.
There, the Visayas Island-Chambers Tourism Alliance (VITA), together with Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) highlighted the importance of regional collaboration.
Specifically concerning the strengthening of tourism competitiveness and creating new opportunities for local businesses.
Thus, a key highlight during the event was the presentation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between MCIA operator Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation (ACAC), the Department of Tourism (DOT), and the PCCI representing VITA.
The said memorandum outlines a framework for collaboration to advance the Discover the Visayas, #FlyViaCebu campaign that positions Cebu as a gateway to a wider range of island experiences.
Built around the promise “One Gateway. More Islands.”, the said campaign brings together six initial destinations: Lapu-Lapu, Panglao, Boracay, Siquijor, Guimaras, and Biliran.
Through the agreement, the parties aim to promote multi-island travel, develop integrated tourism circuits, strengthen destination readiness, and support improved air connectivity.
Also included in the collaboration are joint destination marketing, tourism enterprise development, capacity building, and initiatives that encourage sustainable and inclusive tourism.
“Partnerships like this are important because strengthening tourism requires more than improving airport connectivity,” noted Christopher Camba, Head of Corporate Affairs, Aboitiz InfraCapital.
He continued, “VITA brings together local chambers that understand the needs and opportunities of their respective destinations, while AIC Airports contributes its experience in connecting people and places.”
Camba also said that by working alongside DOT and PCCI, they can better align efforts to strengthen destination competitiveness, support local enterprises, and create more opportunities for communities across the Visayas.
“This kind of collaboration reflects what it means to raise the bar for Philippine businesses,” he stressed.
VITA’s participation highlighted how stronger cooperation among local chambers, government, and the private sector can support tourism development, improve connectivity, and help local enterprises benefit from a more integrated regional tourism economy.
For ACAC, the partnership also builds on MCIA’s role as a key international and domestic gateway to the Visayas, as it offers air connections and transfer services such as CEB Connects, the airport helps travelers connect through Cebu and reach more destinations in the region.
VITA brings together participating chambers from Boracay, Guimaras, Lapu-Lapu, Panglao, Biliran, and Siquijor. By bringing these destinations together, VITA aims to strengthen the region’s collective tourism offering while helping individual destinations build their competitiveness and attract more visitors.
“Each of our destinations has something unique to offer, and this collaboration gives us an opportunity to promote them as part of a more connected Visayas,” said Atty. Jobert A. Peñaflorida, Area Vice President of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
“By bringing together our local chambers, the tourism sector, and airport partners, we can help more businesses participate in tourism growth while making our destinations more accessible and competitive. This is the kind of collaboration that strengthens local economies and creates lasting opportunities for our communities,” he emphasized.
The alliance also managed the Visayas booth at the PBC&E, showcasing the region’s destinations and introducing delegates to the Discover the Visayas initiative and connected destination promotion with practical travel planning through the Discover the Visayas website.
The said platform features destination information and an itinerary builder that allows travelers to explore attractions, discover activities, and plan personalized multi-island journeys based on the number of days available for their trip.
It also provides access to booking options for flights, accommodations, and experiences through travel partners Trip.com and Klook.
