DOT lures foreign airlines to service PH route

FILE: Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo made this statement after leading a government-private sector delegation to the recently concluded World Routes 2017 Forum in Barcelona, Spain held September 23 to 26. (Photo: http://web.tourism.gov.ph/)

MANILA — The Philippines is seeking to attract more foreign carriers to service the Philippines route amid ongoing upgrades of secondary airports to increase capacities for more flights, night schedules and wide-bodied aircraft.

Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo made this statement after leading a government-private sector delegation to the recently concluded World Routes 2017 Forum in Barcelona, Spain held September 23 to 26.

“As envisioned in our 2016 to 2022 National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP), by 2022, the other secondary airports would have upgraded to address congestion in Manila and to disperse the benefits of tourism to the countryside,” Teo said in a statement.

Teo pointed out that these airport development projects are meant to increase international tourist arrivals and terminal capacity of various airports.

During the World Routes forum, the DOT was among the close to 3,000 representatives from aviation and tourism authorities and other allied industries, featured platforms for networking, presentations by expert resource persons and business to business meetings.

Tourism Undersecretary Benito Bengzon Jr. participated as one of the panelists to the discussion on “Will 2020 be a tipping point for tourism? Is it possible to increase air services and to be sustainable?”

Among those who travelled with Teo were Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) Chief Administrative Officer Atty. Rhea Joy Morales-Gonzalez, Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) General Manager Atty. Steve Dicdican, and GMR Megawide Cebu’s Ravishankar Saravu.

Meanwhile, DOT officials include CALABARZON Director Rebecca Labit and Market Development Group-Routes Head Dr. Erwin Balane.

Teo pointed out that attending routes conferences has helped launch new and expand existing operations in the country.

Because 98 percent of the country’s international visitors arrive by air, Teo said that such that development of access to and within the Philippines is crucial in sustaining continued growth in visitor arrivals.

“This forum has been a great venue to network and discuss with as many managers and decision makers in the aviation and routes management,” Teo said.

The World Routes Forum is a must-attend aviation event for those meaning to expand markets, develop new routes and improve connectivity through better air services and frequencies. (PNA)