Board Member Kristine Alexie Tutor expressed optimism on the growth prospect of tourism in the Third District of Bohol, particularly Candijay, after the launch of direct seaplane flights from Mactan, Cebu to the said town, and vice-versa.
Tutor on Thursday said that Air Juan Aviation, Inc. which conducted a test flight from Tagbilaran City to Candijay last week, is set to start its regular Cebu-Candijay trips in November.
The domestic airline has not yet released fare rates but it has previously noted that it will be offering two to three flights a week from Mactan, Cebu to Sitio Pangpang, Barangay Panas in Candijay.
According to Tutor, the flight was designed for tourists who want to take a scenic route to the province from Cebu which allows an aerial glimpse at Anda’s shoreline and other eco-tourism spots in eastern Bohol including Candijay.
The board member also noted that the aviation firm has assured that their operations will not pose any danger to the environment and livelihood of residents near the docking area.
A consultation on the project was made with residents in the village, while Air Juan conducted a thorough site inspection to ensure safety prior to the flight route’s official launching, said Tutor.
Earlier, Air Juan considered the town of Anda as its landing and docking area due to the growing popularity of the town’s white-sand beach.
However, officials of the airline decided against it as waters directly off Anda are open seas, while Candijay, which is also slightly nearer to Cebu, is further inland.
READ: Air Juan makes Tagbilaran-Candijay test flight
Last week, Tutor and Candijay local officials joined a test flight from Tagbilaran City to the Candijay Tourism Port.
The plane reached the town from Bohol’s capital city in 15 minutes, said Tutor. (Rey Tutas)