Cebu Pacific’s twice-a-week Subic-Korea flights launched

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — In its continuing effort of promoting the Freeport to the potentially huge Asian tourism market, Cebu Pacific Airlines linked up with hotel and casino operator, Subic Legend International Resorts Ltd. (SLIR) offering regular chartered flights to the wonderful City of Incheon, South Korea via Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA).

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Felicito C. Payumo was on hand to meet the first batch of Korean tourists who came in from Incheon, popularly known as the “Winged City” and Korea’s getaway to the Asia-Pacific region. The guests were treated to a grand VIP welcome party and were later accompanied to the Legenda Hotels where they stayed.

Payumo said that he is more than happy to welcome Korean tourists into the Freeport as he noted the increasing number of Korean investors here engaged in restaurant operations, foreign language school and the recently inaugurated Korean Green Woods park, a commercial and entertainment area patterned after the East Wood park in Metro Manila.

“I’m more than happy to welcome these new flights and the tourists that Cebu Pacific and Legenda would bring in. Right now, we are trying to tap into the large Asian tourism market and a large chunk of that is made up of the Korean market. They can fly in here, enjoy the sights and sounds of the Freeport and then return after a few days to Korea,” he stated.

Payumo explained that there are a lot of things to do and see down here like the new Ocean Adventure theme park, golf course, beaches and various water sports activities like kayaking, jet ski, scuba diving, para-sailing and a lot more. Subic is also offering duty-free shopping along with fine-dining restaurants and more significantly, the ecotourism facilities that would allow tourists to enjoy the lush virgin forest of Subic.

“In Subic, there is definitely something for everyone, from shopping to golf to dining out. And what makes their stay more enjoyable is that Subic is known for its excellent safety and security, making their visit a truly enjoyable stay,” he added.

The new route will fly twice-a-week from Incheon-Subic-Manila and Manila-Subic-Incheon on Thursdays and Sundays, respectively. The flights will be made via a 179-seater Boeing 757 from Cebu Pacific.

Legenda Hotel’s chief executive officer Khoo Boo Boon said that they are constantly in search for large tourist groups to see Subic, noting that the Koreans make up a large part of the Asian market despite the Asian economic crisis.