CEBU CITY, Cebu, August 5 (PIA) – The Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) celebrated its 32nd anniversary on August 1 at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino, Lahug, Cebu City.

In his speech during the ceremony, MCIAA General Manager Julius Neri said this event signals the reopening of the economy, lives, and tourism.

“We want to announce to the world that we are open for business, that Cebu is open for business,” said Neri.

He also said that he wanted to promote Cebu as the number one tourist destination in the country.

Despite the last two years of the pandemic affecting the travel industry, Neri said they decided to step up and find ways to improve and to get ready for the reopening of flights and tourism.

“We would like to send a message to everyone, that being the best in the Philippines is not enough. We will push forward towards our goal to have the most passenger-friendly airport in Asia,” he added.

Latest figures from the MCIAA show that the airport received more than two million passengers during the first half of this year, a big increase compared to 2021.

Newly-appointed Department of Tourism Sec. Esperanza Christina Garcia Frasco, who was the keynote speaker during the event, lauded the MCIAA on their 32 years of operations as she described the Mactan Cebu International Airport as “one of the crowning jewels” of the Philippine transportation industry.

In her speech, Frasco said they will strengthen their collaborations with all the agencies, local government units, and stakeholders, including the MCIAA to develop and implement projects that will set the groundwork for the recovery of the industry, such as the modernization of airports and seaports and to maximize their position in the Asia Pacific.

“MCIAA has shown in the last two years that it was an opportunity to develop and improve. And now, MCIAA shines brighter than it has ever been, positioned to welcome all the travelers around the world,” Frasco said.

During the anniversary, MCIAA also launched its new logo and latest music video.

MCIAA also presented special appreciation plaques to Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, former Office of the Presidential Assistant for Visayas Michael Dino, and Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard Chan. (HFG/PIA7)