CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Laguindingan International Airport, operated by Aboitiz InfraCapital, convened key tourism and aviation stakeholders at Limketkai Luxe Hotel on May 19, 2026 for a Strategic Tourism Dialogue. The forum addressed pressing global headwinds, particularly volatile fuel prices and geopolitical tensions that directly impact airfare, travel demand, and destination competitiveness across Northern Mindanao.
The dialogue brought together Department of Tourism Region 10, the Misamis Oriental Provincial Tourism Office, the Cagayan de Oro City Tourism Office, COHARA, COTTA, and the Cagayan de Oro Korean Association. Their shared goal was to craft unified strategies that cushion the impact of external shocks while sustaining the region’s tourism momentum. The event underscored the deep interconnection between aviation and the broader tourism ecosystem.
A Proactive Response to Global Headwinds
Engr. Ryan Ermac, General Manager of Laguindingan International Airport, emphasized that global challenges demand transparent collaboration. “When global headwinds such as volatile jet fuel prices and rising operational costs challenge our airline partners, the entire regional ecosystem feels the shift,” he said. He stressed that proactive management, shared foresight, and continued investment remain essential to weathering external pressures.
The dialogue focused on translating sectoral intelligence into actionable plans. Participants examined how surging aviation fuel costs influence passenger traffic and airfare pricing, then aligned on adaptive scenario‑planning to protect Northern Mindanao’s accessibility. Ermac noted that the same proactive model driving sustainable growth across Aboitiz InfraCapital’s other gateways was now being applied to strengthen Laguindingan.
Forging Unified Strategies for Resilience
DOT Region 10 Director May Unchuan highlighted the dialogue’s timeliness. “Northern Mindanao’s appeal lies not only in our natural wonders and rich culture, but in the enduring resilience of our industry partners,” she said. She noted that bridging the public sector with aviation and hospitality leaders enables the region to shape strategies that cushion global economic impacts and keep Region 10 competitive.
The forum served as a vital platform for industry partners to exchange operational insights and emerging market perspectives. Participants recognized that no single sector could absorb the current challenges alone. By aligning the interests of airlines, hotels, tour operators, and government agencies, the dialogue established a foundation for coordinated action that could stabilize tourism flows even as external conditions fluctuate.
Strengthening the Regional Tourism Ecosystem
The Strategic Tourism Dialogue also reinforced Laguindingan International Airport’s role as a catalyst for economic growth and regional connectivity. The airport serves as the main gateway for Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, and the provinces of Misamis Oriental, Lanao del Norte, and Bukidnon. Its operator’s commitment to collaborative leadership ensures that the entire region benefits from improved infrastructure and coordinated destination marketing.
The presence of diverse industry leaders—from the Cagayan de Oro Hotel and Restaurant Association to the Korean tourism sector—reflected the breadth of stakeholders invested in the region’s tourism future. The dialogue concluded with a shared understanding that resilience is built through transparent communication, mutual support, and an unwavering focus on the passenger experience. For Northern Mindanao, the event marked a decisive step toward a more unified, prepared, and competitive tourism industry.
