Direct travel to EATOF nations is now permitted
Cebu, Philippines, is making significant strides in revitalizing its tourism industry through measures stemming from the 23rd East Asia Inter-Regional Tourism Forum (EATOF), held on July 26, 2025. The primary focus is on establishing direct flights between Cebu and key destinations, particularly South Korea.
Rowena Montecillo, head of the Cebu Provincial Tourism Office, announced the initiative to open direct flight routes, including potentially from Gangwon province, South Korea. This move aims to increase accessibility for Korean tourists and give Cebu a competitive edge against destinations like Vietnam that offer tech-friendly and affordable travel packages.
However, discussions about connectivity among EATOF member provinces are ongoing, but Montecillo stressed that such improvements won't happen overnight. One such potential connection is with Sarawak, Malaysia, but as of July 2025, no confirmed or proposed direct air routes between Cebu and Sarawak have been mentioned in the available recent EATOF communications or Cebu tourism news.
The current emphasis remains strongly on South Korean markets and enhancing cultural and community-based tourism. The EATOF, established in 2009, has been instrumental in fostering collaboration for tourism growth, opening opportunities for visitor exchange and bilateral promotions among member regions.
The Cebu Provincial Tourism Office is currently in the process of tying up with EATOF members in terms of connectivity. Negotiations are ongoing to potentially establish flights from Gangwon to Cebu and vice versa.
Previously, there was a direct flight from Kuala Lumpur to Cebu, but its status is unclear at the moment. Connectivity among EATOF member provinces is important, according to Montecillo, for exchanging tourists and sharing culture. As such, discussions about connectivity among the member provinces, including Cebu, Gangwon, Jilin, Luang Prabang, Quang Ninh, Siam Reap, Tottori, Tuv, and Yogyakarta, are ongoing.
The EATOF is considered a "model for international cooperation" among its members, and its efforts towards regional connectivity are expected to contribute to the revival and expansion of tourism flows within the East Asia Inter-Regional Tourism Federation network.
The Cebu Provincial Tourism Office is aiming to increase accessibility for Korean tourists by negotiating to establish direct flights from Gangwon province, South Korea, as part of efforts to offer a competitive lifestyle and cultural experience in Cebu, Philippines. Rowena Montecillo, the head of the Cebu Provincial Tourism Office, highlighted the importance of connectivity among EATOF member provinces like Cebu, Gangwon, Jilin, Luang Prabang, Quang Ninh, Siam Reap, Tottori, Tuv, and Yogyakarta, for exchanging tourists and sharing culture within the East Asia Inter-Regional Tourism Federation network.
