European tourist arrivals to rise with new air pact

CEBU, Philippines - The Philippines expects European tourist arrivals to increase following the newly amended air pact that allows seven flights per week on a B747 aircraft, accommodating more than 500 passengers, between Manila to points in United Kingdom (UK), which include London, Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stanstead.

“We support the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) in their move to improve the air agreement between the country and the UK. Identifying these key destinations is a clear indicator of the strength of our market in these regions,” said Tourism chief Joseph Ace Durano.

The European market, tagged as one of the high-spending tourism segments, is targeted for its preference of adventure tourism which includes aquatic activities such as kayaking, scuba diving, board sports, surfing and white water rafting; and land adventures such as mountain biking, rock climbing, cave exploration and trekking, Durano said.

“In addition to aggressive promotion of our products, we are continuously developing new tourism ventures, such as bird-watching, for this major segment,” the tourism chief added.

For his part, DOT undersecretary for tourism planning and promotions Eduardo Jarque Jr., said the air pact amendment is very timely as well, “since we have more leisure travelers beginning August when summer season in Europe starts.”

In light of the new agreement, Jarque stressed that some of domestic airlines have already expressed their desire to open flights in the United Kingdom.

At present, the Philippine Airlines has conveyed plans to launch direct flights to UK, according to a source from the CAB.

Part of the agreement is the inclusion of fifth-freedom rights, which means that aircrafts can pick up passengers in a third country before proceeding to its destination. — Ehda M. Dagooc