Leading Philippine carrier Cebu Pacific reduces its year-round low fares across over 70 domestic destinations in support of government initiatives to spur domestic tourism to alleviate the impact of travel restrictions caused by the spread of the 2019 Novel coronavirus (COVID-19). This is on top of promotional seat sales for key destinations the carrier has been running since late January.
Starting February 19, year-round low fares of Cebu Pacific will sell for as low as PHP88 (base fare)—even for travel within the next few days. Routes with reduced fares include those originating from Manila, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro (Laguindingan), Davao, Iloilo and Zamboanga.
Cebu Pacific Vice President for Marketing and Customer Experience Candice Iyog (left) joined Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat for the launch of the Philippine Shopping Festival. The festival is one of government’s initiatives to spur domestic tourism and spending to alleviate the impact of COVID-19 on tourist arrivals.
On top of the fare reduction, Cebu Pacific has also ramped-up capacity across key domestic routes by an average of 44%. Seats were increased across flights between Manila, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Cebu, Puerto Princesa, Iloilo and Bacolod; as well as between Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod and Iloilo. These will be implemented either by an upgrade to larger-capacity aircraft or additional flights.
“We are one with the government and fellow tourism stakeholders during this challenging time. Through this increase in the supply of seats and fare reductions across our domestic route network, we hope to encourage Philippine residents to travel and explore the country,” said Candice Iyog, Vice President for Marketing and Customer Experience of Cebu Pacific.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) has been coordinating with airlines, hotels, resorts and other tourism stakeholders to come up with measures to “arrest and to cushion” the slowdown in tourist arrivals due to the risks from COVID-19. These initiatives include airline seat sales and packaged promotional vacations. The DOT is also launching the first-ever nationwide “Philippine Shopping Festival” to showcase the country as a prime retail destination in terms of unique finds, diversity of brands and shopping experience.
“We remain committed to promoting the best of the Philippine festivals across a more global audience through our Fiesta Fun Fest campaign, on top of initiatives that magnify the fun travel experiences the country has to offer.”
The reduced fares and additional capacity will be made available across all booking channels of Cebu Pacific, including partner travel agencies, its website (www.cebupacificair.com), or through the official mobile app.