Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corp. convened tourism stakeholders to assess the potential impact of the ongoing Middle East crisis on Cebu’s travel sector, as rising global jet fuel prices threaten to dampen demand.
The operator of Mactan-Cebu International Airport held an open dialogue with hotel executives and industry groups to discuss contingency measures, scenario planning, and opportunities to cushion the effects of external pressures on tourism.
Participants included representatives from major hotels such as Shangri-La Mactan Cebu, Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan, Jpark Island Resort and Waterpark Mactan, and Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort, along with industry organizations like the Hotel Resort & Restaurant Association of Cebu Inc..
Airport officials said higher jet fuel costs could lead to increased airfares, potentially affecting passenger traffic. While MCIA posted strong performance in the first quarter, stakeholders were told that demand may face pressure starting early June if global conditions persist.
“The aviation and tourism sectors are deeply intertwined. When global headwinds like surging jet fuel costs put pressure on our airline partners, our industry inevitably feels the impact,” said Athanasios Titonis, chief executive of Aboitiz InfraCapital Operating Airports.
He added that collaboration with industry partners is key to navigating uncertainties. “By aligning closely with our hotel partners and developing agile passenger scenarios, we are leveraging the same proactive management model that has driven success across our other gateways.”
The dialogue also highlighted efforts to explore new markets and expand connectivity to emerging destinations, as part of a broader strategy to sustain tourism growth.
Aboitiz InfraCapital said similar consultations will be held at other airports under its portfolio, including Laguindingan International Airport in Misamis Oriental and Bohol-Panglao International Airport, to strengthen industry coordination.
The company said the initiative reflects its role not only as an airport operator but as a partner in supporting the wider tourism ecosystem amid global uncertainties.
