Representatives from Aboitiz InfraCapital and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, representing the Visayas Island-Chambers Tourism Alliance, present the Memorandum of Understanding outlining their proposed collaboration for the Discover the Visayas, #FlyViaCebu campaign during the 52nd Philippine Business Conference and Expo at The Manila Hotel.
MANILA, PHILIPPINES, October 13, 2026 — The Visayas Island-Chambers Tourism Alliance (VITA), together with Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) highlighted the importance of regional collaboration in strengthening tourism competitiveness and creating new opportunities for local businesses at the 52nd Philippine Business Conference and Expo (PBC&E), held on October 13–14, 2026, at The Manila Hotel.
A key highlight during the event was the presentation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) among MCIA operator Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation (ACAC), the Department of Tourism (DOT), and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), representing VITA. The MOU outlines a framework for collaboration to advance the Discover the Visayas, #FlyViaCebu campaign, promoting greater connectivity and tourism development across the region.
“Partnerships like this are important because strengthening tourism requires more than improving airport connectivity. VITA brings together local chambers that understand the needs and opportunities of their respective destinations, while AIC Airports contributes its experience in connecting people and places. By working alongside DOT and PCCI, we can better align our efforts to strengthen destination competitiveness, support local enterprises, and create more opportunities for communities across the Visayas. This kind of collaboration reflects what it means to raise the bar for Philippine businesses,” said Christopher Camba, Head of Corporate Affairs, Aboitiz InfraCapital.
Organized by PCCI, the annual PBC&E brought together business leaders, policymakers, economists, and development partners under the theme “Raising the Bar: Empowering Business for a Resilient Future.” The conference focused on strengthening Philippine enterprises amid global economic uncertainties, advancing competitiveness, and fostering partnerships that support sustainable and inclusive growth.
VITA’s participation reflected these objectives, highlighting how stronger cooperation among local chambers, government, and the private sector can support tourism development, improve connectivity, and help local enterprises benefit from a more integrated regional tourism economy.
The alliance also managed the Visayas booth at the PBC&E, showcasing the region’s destinations and introducing delegates to the Discover the Visayas initiative.
Building Stronger Connections for a More Competitive Visayas
Built around the promise “One Gateway. More Islands.”, the Discover the Visayas, #FlyViaCebu campaign brings together six initial destinations: Lapu-Lapu, Panglao, Boracay, Siquijor, Guimaras, and Biliran, positioning Cebu as a gateway to a wider range of island experiences.
Through the agreement, the parties aim to promote multi-island travel, develop integrated tourism circuits, strengthen destination readiness, and support improved air connectivity. The collaboration also covers joint destination marketing, tourism enterprise development, capacity building, and initiatives that encourage sustainable and inclusive tourism.
For ACAC, the partnership builds on MCIA’s role as a key international and domestic gateway to the Visayas. Through its air connections and transfer services such as CEB Connects, the airport helps travelers connect through Cebu and reach more destinations in the region.
VITA brings together participating chambers from Boracay, Guimaras, Lapu-Lapu, Panglao, Biliran, and Siquijor, providing a platform for local business communities to collaborate on tourism promotion and development.
By bringing these destinations together, VITA aims to strengthen the region’s collective tourism offering while helping individual destinations build their competitiveness and attract more visitors.
“Each of our destinations has something unique to offer, and this collaboration gives us an opportunity to promote them as part of a more connected Visayas. By bringing together our local chambers, the tourism sector, and airport partners, we can help more businesses participate in tourism growth while making our destinations more accessible and competitive. This is the kind of collaboration that strengthens local economies and creates lasting opportunities for our communities,” said Atty. Jobert A. Peñaflorida, Area Vice President of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Showcasing the Visayas and New Opportunities for Tourism
Beyond the MOU presentation, VITA’s presence at the Visayas booth provided an opportunity to introduce conference delegates to the participating destinations and highlight how improved connectivity can encourage travelers to discover more of the region.
The Discover the Visayas initiative was featured as part of this effort, connecting destination promotion with practical travel planning through the Discover the Visayas website.
The platform features destination information and an itinerary builder that allows travelers to explore attractions, discover activities, and plan personalized multi-island journeys based on the number of days available for their trip. It also provides access to booking options for flights, accommodations, and experiences through travel partners Trip.com and Klook.
The Discover the Visayas initiative is featured at the Visayas booth during the 52nd Philippine Business Conference and Expo, highlighting the region’s participating destinations and encouraging visitors to explore multi-island travel opportunities through Cebu.
VITA’s participation in the conference and the formalization of the partnership underscore the role of cross-sector collaboration in strengthening the Visayas tourism economy.
By connecting local business communities with tourism stakeholders and airport infrastructure, the initiative supports PBC&E’s broader call for greater competitiveness, adaptability, and sustainable growth among Philippine enterprises.
As the region continues to develop its tourism offerings, the collaboration aims to create more opportunities for businesses and communities while making it easier for travelers to experience more of the Visayas.
Where will your trip take you next? Discover more destinations and plan your Visayas journey through the itinerary builder at discoverthevisayas.com.