Cebu trade leaders excited over direct Cebu-Bangkok flights

• Source:http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=6&rid=902176
• Thursday, July 7, 2016

(PNA), RMA/EB/RSM

CEBU CITY, July 7 (PNA) -- Cebu’s business leaders have expressed excitement over Thai Smile Airways’ entry to Cebu.

Thai Smile Airways has announced in a statement it will offer Bangkok-Cebu-Bangkok direct air services starting in October this year.

Thai Smile said it would fly to Cebu daily, three times weekly in the morning and four times weekly in the afternoon.

The airline will be using an Airbus A320 with 162 dual class seats, with 12 business class and 150 economy class seats.

“Fantastic! This should allow easier access into Region 7 for European tourists coming from Thailand. This is real boost!” said Gordon Alan Joseph, president of Cebu Business Club.

“This is a welcome development as it will help promote business and tourism between Cebu and Bangkok. It will likewise push Cebu as a regional hub in the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations),” said Glenn Anthony Soco, president of Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Melanie Ng, president of Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said there will definitely be a positive effect on the economy once travel and tourism between Bangkok and Cebu via the new direct flight by Thai Smile Airways starts.

Ng said the Department of Tourism is expected to increase marketing initiatives in Thailand by DOT to support this new route.

”We have to make sure there are attractive tour packages that we can offer to the potential Thai tourists who will avail of this new direct route to Cebu. For travelers that frequent Bangkok, this is a welcome development. There will be a positive impact on trade opportunities between the two cities,” said Ng.