China Southern Airlines has successfully launched a direct charter flight from Guangzhou in China to Cebu in The Philippines.

This is the first direct flight to Cebu from Guangdong and South China. Before this only Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong had direct flights to Cebu. The charter flight will save Guangdong tourists at least ten hours and 70% of their travel costs.

The vice director of the Philippine Department of Tourism estimated that the route would bring 15,000 Guangdong tourists to Cebu, and will be a major step for The Philippines in exploiting the tourist market in southern China.

The flight is scheduled to depart from Guangzhou twice a week, on each Monday and Thursday, and to return on Tuesday and Friday. GZL International Travel Service is the sole ticket agent for this charter flight.

(China Hospitality News July 14, 2009)