World’s first ‘resort airport’ set to open in Cebu

BUILDING THE FUTURE. A new terminal in Cebu — billed as the world’s first “resort airport” — will officially open on Thursday, June 7.

GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corp. president Louie Ferrer said that President Rodrigo Duterte would cut the ribbon at the opening of the P17.5-billion Terminal 2 of the Mactan Cebu International Airport. He also added that many guests, both local and foreign, will be present during the event.

Covering 65,500 square meters, the new terminal is expected increase the airport’s passenger capacity to 12.5 million per year. It was designed by Integrated Design Associates, a Hong Kong-based firm that collaborated with local designers Kenneth Cobonpue, Budji Layug, and Royal Pinda.

The design was created to display the “warmth and friendliness” of the people of Cebu as well as the local culture. It features a curved wooden roof with glassed areas, which allow natural light to illuminate the building.

Made with polished concrete inset and locally sourced mother of pearl, the floor is designed to reflect this light and to produce a sand-like glimmer.

The airport’s 48 check-in counters, which are built from rattan and with a back light that creates the impression of lanterns, can be expanded further to a total number of 72.

According to property consultant Colliers International, the new terminal will help boost Cebu’s property market and tourist industry.

The province continues to grow as an attractive tourist spot and competitive investment destination, and these qualities are expected to sustain a hotel occupancy of between 65 percent and 70 percent across Metro Cebu, the firm added.

The airport’s operators have submitted a P208-billion proposal for a second runway and a third terminal, which are pegged to increase airport capacity to 50 million passengers annually.