Cebu: The Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) has welcomed the twice-weekly services between Cebu and Quanzhou, China, which will be offered by Xiamen Air every Tuesday and Saturday. 'The launch of the Cebu-Quanzhou route reaffirms our mandate to drive economic growth in the region through robust aviation connectivity as the premier transfer hub in the Philippines,' Athanasios Titonis, chief executive officer of Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation (ACAC), said in a statement on Monday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the reopening of the Cebu-Quanzhou services was a result of the Cebu provincial government's diplomatic mission in Fujian Province last February. The route's resumption also supports the Philippine government's efforts to revitalize inbound tourism, following the recent implementation of a 14-day visa-free entry policy for eligible Chinese tourists, the ACAC added.

"With the recent easing of visa requirements, we are thrilled to welcome a new wave of travelers and provide them with a seamless, world-class transit experience with our signature Cebuano warmth. We will continue working closely with our private partners to ensure that Cebu remains an accessible, top-of-mind destination for international travelers," Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority general manager Julius Neri Jr. was quoted as saying.

Quanzhou is a recognized manufacturing powerhouse for textiles, footwear, and stone products, while Cebu is the commercial and export center of the Visayas. The ACAC said the restored services allow corporate mobility teams and business owners to directly fly into Cebu, significantly cutting down travel time and streamlining supply-chain visits.

"We want to be more than just an entry point; we want to be the transit and transfer hub to the Philippine islands. By bridging Central Visayas directly with Fujian, we are opening up immense opportunities for local tourism operators, exporters, and businesses,' Titonis said.