Philippines Tourism Gets a Boost: Cebu Pacific Launches HKD 1 Seat Sale

By Laura Harris
November 12, 2025

MANILA – Cebu Pacific Air (PSE: CEB) is making a bold bet on the future of Philippine tourism with the launch of its ‘Super Seat Fest,’ offering one-way flights from Hong Kong to key destinations for as little as HKD 1. The promotion, running from November 12-15, 2025, with travel dates spanning June 1 – October 31, 2026, isn't simply a flash sale; it represents a strategic move by the airline to stimulate demand, solidify its regional presence, and capitalize on the Philippines' burgeoning tourism recovery.

While seemingly unbelievable, the base fare is legitimate, covering flights to Manila, Clark, Cebu, Iloilo, and Davao. However, as with many low-cost carrier promotions, the HKD 1 price tag excludes fees and surcharges, meaning the final cost will be higher. Nevertheless, the promotional fares remain significantly lower than those offered by competitors, signaling a potentially disruptive shift in the regional air travel landscape.

A Strategic Play for Market Share

The timing of this promotion is particularly noteworthy. The Philippines tourism sector is on a clear upward trajectory, projecting to surpass pre-pandemic levels. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) forecasts a record PHP 5.9 trillion contribution to the Philippine economy in 2025, representing over one-fifth of the national GDP. However, the recovery has faced some headwinds, with fluctuating international arrivals and a need to bolster key source markets.

“This isn’t just about filling seats; it's about actively shaping demand and reinforcing Cebu Pacific's position as a leader in affordable travel,” said one industry analyst. “By targeting the Hong Kong market with such aggressive pricing, they're essentially saying, 'Come and experience the Philippines, it's never been more accessible.' ”

Cebu Pacific holds a dominant 58% share of the domestic Philippine market and is aggressively expanding its international network. The airline is embarking on a massive fleet expansion, aiming for 100 aircraft by the end of 2025 and a staggering order of up to 152 new Airbus aircraft scheduled for delivery starting in 2028. This ambitious growth is supported by strong financial performance, including an impressive 18% operating margin and a projected PHP 63.0 billion in revenue for 2025.

Hong Kong: A Key Gateway

Hong Kong is a vital international gateway for the Philippines, and Cebu Pacific has long recognized its importance. The airline is strategically strengthening its connections to Hong Kong, including plans to open new bases in Davao and Iloilo with direct routes to the city. “Expanding our reach to Hong Kong isn’t just about tapping into a new source of tourists,” explains one source within Cebu Pacific. “It's about providing seamless connectivity for both inbound and outbound travelers, and boosting economic ties between the Philippines and Hong Kong.”

Competition Heats Up

The ‘Super Seat Fest’ is poised to disrupt the competitive landscape. While other airlines, such as Cathay Pacific and Philippine Airlines, offer routes between Hong Kong and the Philippines, their standard fares are significantly higher. A quick search reveals round-trip economy fares on Cathay Pacific starting from HKD 2,255, while Philippine Airlines offers similar fares.

“Cebu Pacific is essentially forcing its competitors to respond,” noted one aviation expert. “They're raising the bar for affordability and challenging the status quo. We might see other airlines launching their own promotions or adjusting their pricing strategies to remain competitive.”

Boosting Tourism Beyond Manila

Beyond stimulating overall tourism, the promotion is also expected to benefit key destinations beyond the capital city of Manila. Cebu, Davao, and Iloilo are all poised to see a surge in visitors, thanks to the availability of affordable flights. Cebu welcomed 5 million tourists in 2024 and is already a popular destination, while Davao and Iloilo are emerging as key growth areas.

“Diversifying tourism beyond Manila is a key priority for the Philippines,” said a tourism official. “The ‘Super Seat Fest’ will help us achieve this goal by making it more affordable and convenient for travelers to explore different regions of the country.”

Looking Ahead

The success of the ‘Super Seat Fest’ will depend on a number of factors, including the overall economic climate, fuel prices, and competition from other airlines. However, Cebu Pacific appears confident that the promotion will deliver a significant boost to Philippine tourism and solidify its position as a leader in affordable air travel.

“This isn't just a sale; it’s an investment in the future of Philippine tourism,” said a company spokesperson. “We believe that by making air travel more accessible, we can unlock the full potential of this incredible destination and create lasting economic benefits for all.”

The ‘Super Seat Fest’ is more than just a promotional campaign; it's a bold statement about Cebu Pacific's commitment to making the Philippines a more accessible and affordable destination for travelers around the world. It remains to be seen whether other airlines will respond, but one thing is certain: the Philippine tourism landscape is about to get a whole lot more competitive.