The Philippines’ leading airline disclosed last week it is launching direct Cebu-Tokyo-Cebu flights on March 26, 2015 in response to the increasing traffic of Filipino travelers to Japan.
In a Cebu Hub Media Update held 12 November 2014 at the Ocean Pavilion, Shangri-La Mactan Resort & Spa, Cebu Pacific Air (PSE:CEB) disclosed it is holding a seat sale fare for CEB’s newest route starts from P3,888.00, making it ideal for travelers to and from Cebu and surrounding regions. This Cebu-Tokyo seat sale fare is available until seats last, for travel from March 26 to September 30, 2015.
Cebu Pacific Air VP for for Marketing and Distribution Candice Iyog hands over a die cast CEB plane to Yosuke Togezaki, FY 2014 Philippines Industry Relations Representative of the Japan Tourism Agency as a symbol of their joint commitment to work closely together to promote travel between the Philippines and Japan. CEB is set to launch direct Cebu-Tokyo flights starting March 26,2015.
“We hope to keep contributing to the national tourism agenda, by providing direct access for Japanese leisure travelers to the island of Cebu. Its strategic location in central Philippines makes it the ideal gateway to beach and eco-adventure destinations in other parts of the country,” said CEB VP for Marketing and Distribution Candice Iyog.
The airline will launch four weekly flights (every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday) between Cebu and Tokyo, utilizing its brand-new Airbus A320 fleet. The flight from Cebu will depart at 5:55 am, and arrive in Tokyo at 11:20 am. The return flight will depart Tokyo at 12:05 pm, and arrive in Cebu at 4:25 pm.
Japan never stops!
From the airline’s Cebu hub, prime beach, historical, diving and surfing destinations are approximately 35 minutes to one hour away by air. These destinations include Boracay, Camiguin, Siargao, Palawan, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod, Iloilo and Dumaguete. The island of Bohol is also just a ferry away.
“We are similarly focused on promoting Japan as a top-of-mind destination for Filipinos. With our trademark low fares and extensive Cebu hub network, Japan is more accessible and convenient for more guests,” she added.
In his presentation during the event, Yosuke Togezaki, FY 2014 Philippines Industry Relations Representative of the Japan Tourism Agency, disclosed that Filipino arrivals in Japan for the period January-September 2014 reached 127,100, a 63.5 percent increase over 2013 figures, making the Philippines one of the fastest growing countries of origin of travelers to visit Japan.
Filipino Travellers to Japan Profile
“There are 250,000 Filipinos living in Japan, mostly composed of entire resident families,” Mr. Togezaki said.“They have relatives in the Philippines who by themselves already constitute a separate and distinct market.”
“The increase in tourist arrivals has been especially remarkable and growing by double digits for the past three years. In 2011, it grew 47.3% to 29,832 from 2009; to 48,735 in 2012 (up 57.3%) and thence to 68,720 (up 63.4%) in 2013,” he added. “Tourism promotes better friendship and understanding between countries.”
Japan attracts JUANS
CEB offers 27 domestic and international destinations from its Cebu hub, and operates approximately 700 weekly flights. Passengers traveling through the airline’s Cebu hub grew by 9.4% from January to September 2014, compared to the same period in 2013.
CEB’s 52-strong fleet is comprised of 10 Airbus A319, 29 Airbus A320, 5 Airbus A330 and 8 ATR 72-500 aircraft. It is one of the most modern aircraft fleets in the world. Between 2015 and 2021, Cebu Pacific will take delivery of 9 more brand-new Airbus A320, 30 Airbus A321neo and 1 Airbus A330 aircraft.
For bookings and information, guests can visit www.cebupacificair.com
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