Recognising that first and last impressions matter, Mactan-Cebu International Airport has developed a suite of services to support arriving and departing corporate groups, which will in turn earn the destination a higher satisfaction score and repeat visits.
Aines Librodo, head of external affairs, stakeholder management at Mactan-Cebu International Airport, told TTGmice that that the aviation facility has a role to play in shaping Cebu’s destination reputation among business event clients and attendees.
She was recently at IT&CM Asia 2024 to convey Mactan-Cebu International Airport’s readiness for business events.
She said: “Every travel and tourism player in Cebu, along with the national and local government, are working together to make Cebu a top-of-mind MICE destination in both the Philippines and Asia.”
The airport team works with DMCs, immigration, customs, security and quarantine officials to coordinate arrival procedures for an “efficient and expedient” welcome for corporate groups.
Necessary immigration information is shared with the DMC ahead of arrival, so that groups can be prepared even before their departure from their origin airport.
“On arrival, the airport provides welcome leis and a token. The Department of Tourism more often gets a rondalla (a traditional Philippine string ensemble) to play local and festive songs at the boarding bridge or the arrival lobby. For really large groups, the DMC hires Sinulog dancers to welcome their guests. Sinulog is a grand festival held every third Sunday of January, with beautiful dancers in their lavish gowns honouring the Holy Child Santo Nino,” detailed Librodo.
Librodo added that groups arriving and transiting at Mactan-Cebu International Airport can also enjoy Allways’ meet-and-assist services as well as Cebu Connect, launched in June to provide seamless transfer for passengers with onward flights to other destinations.
When asked which of these support services are most in favour among corporate groups, she pointed to the cultural welcome.
“Corporate groups love our welcome reception where we play local festive music while passengers are deplaning; they are met by beautiful ladies in our traditional costume, are adorned with leis, and are handed tokens of sweet mangoes, which Cebu is famous for. At the end of the day, nothing beats the human touch, the personal approach, and the friendly and welcoming smiles.”
Librodo also expressed pride in the airport’s resort-themed architecture and interior design, which represents the leisure vibes of Cebu.
“Upon arrival, passengers can feel that they are in a resort. The boarding bridges have a special welcoming scent that was exclusively created for the airport. We are also a silent airport – announcements are only allowed if it is a necessity, hence, the atmosphere is calm and relaxing,” she said.
Librodo believes that offering an outstanding welcome to Cebu – as well as a hospitable farewell – will encourage corporate travellers to return with friends and family.
“They have some degree of influence among their friends, communities, and peers. A good word from them will spread and have multiplier effects,” she stated.
Mactan-Cebu International Airport offers two terminals that are five minutes apart on foot, and is the second biggest airport in the Philippines. It operates round the clock, with retail and F&B outlets serving passengers all hours. It is used currently by six domestic and 18 foreign carriers, including Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, China Eastern, and more.
