‘Big MCIA bidders sign of tourism industry confidence’

THE giant companies who show their intention to bid for the P10-billion  Mactan Cebu International Airport terminal project show their confidence of Cebu’s tourism industry.

“The fact that they are bidding only shows their confidence on the potential of Cebu. I’m sure they’ve done due diligence in studying the feasibility and viability of the project,” Cebu Business Club president Gordon Alan Joseph said yesterday.

Joseph was referring to the like the partnership of Ayala, Aboitiz and American Firm AD&HAS Airport Corps., Metro Pacific Investment Corp., and San Miguel Corp. (SMC).

tourism share

Joseph however said that once the project would be done, the operators should also see to it that part of the income in the airport would be given to help the tourism industry of Cebu.

“The airport hasn’t invested on the tourism market. In other countries, part of the income is given to tourism for various projects including promotions or simply subsidizing connectivity to and from the airport,” said Joseph.

increased traffic

According to Joseph, these efforts will be gained back through increased traffic in the airport as a result of promoting the different tourism destinations.

Robert Lim Joseph, National Association of Independent Travel Agencies in the Philippines (NAITAS),    agreed with his cousin.

Lim Joseph said it should be one of the conditions included by the proponents in their bid as the airport is considered a major infrastructure that will support more growth for the tourism industry.

fees

Lim Joseph also cited the issue on fees that would be charged by the soon-to-be would be operator.

“The fees should not be too much that will make it too expensive for travelers,” said Joseph.

He said this would help since Cebu is trying to increase the number of tourists not only from the foreign markets but the domestic travelers as well.

Cebu business leaders also said that the more bidders for the project the better for the expansion project of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

SMC INTEREST

“We welcome the interest of SMC to join the bidding of Cebu international airport expansion project as this will result to better offer in quality of works with full financial asurance to finish the project on time,” Gesta said.

“The more bidders, the better and merrier as this showcase the classic corporate competition n this is a healthy practices in business to ensure transparency and over the board transaction instead of negotiated bid contract which normally brings doubts thereof to involved parties,” he said.

Philip N. Tan, Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry president,  said the stakeholders should also give Cebu’s booming tourism industry which would have a direct impact on the industry such as the airport expansion.

“We should get the best offer among the bidders. This translates to good service at the least cost for the riding public,” said Tan.

TRACK RECORD

All the companies which expressed their interest to bid had proven track record which would make it even more favorable for the project, Jenny Franco, former NAITAS Cebu Chapter president said.

Islands Group president Jay Aldeguer said that these high caliber companies with professional and technical capabilities bidding for the project, Cebu could be assured to get the best operator for the airport.

COMPLEMENT

Tourism Regional Director Rowena Montecillo agreed. Montecillo said that they would expect the best delivery of the project to complement Cebu’s image as a top tourist destination in the world.

Montecillo said that the new terminal, when completed should not only look nice but also be functional and efficient taking into consideration the comfort of the travelers.

Wednesday last week, San Miguel Corporation Ramon Ang told reporters during the inaugural flight of Philippine Airlines’ Manila-Toronto route that they will be joining the bid for the P10 billion project that’s scheduled for bidding next year.

FORMAL BID

MCIAA general manager Nigel Paul Villarete said that the companies will still have to file a formal bid once the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) issues a request for qualification to undertake the project, which he expects to happen next year.

The procurement process may last the whole year of 2013 and winning bidder could break ground in 2014 with at least a two year development period until 2016 for the target opening of the new terminal.