RP tourism: All set for greater heights through chartered flights

Often described as a traveler’s personal version of business-class flights, charter flights reap a significant advantage when it comes to mass tourism. With the perks associated with this type of traveling, more and more tourists are opting to book charter flights as opposed to commercial flights. Also, a high number of chartered flights to a certain country depict a significant growth in tourism.

Aiming to attract more tourists and strengthen existing tourism relations particularly on chartered flights from Taiwan to the Philippines, the Department of Tourism (DoT) has recently conducted presentations in three big cities of Kaohsiung, Taichung and Taipei, in Taiwan.

The presentations and meetings with various airline officials and tourism leaders in Taiwan were led by Undersecretary for Tourism Planning and Promotions Eduardo Jarque, Jr., Ireneo Reyes, Taiwan Tourism Representative; Sonia Garcia, Director of DoT-Region 10, and Ma. Rica Bueno, Head of Team Asia Pacific.

Mandarin Airlines recently started the Taichung – Kalibo charter flight mid-October of this year, while China Airlines is continuing its Boracay charter service which opened in May 2008.

A possible re-opening of the Taipei – Cebu charter flight was likewise brought to the table with China Airlines through its Vice President James Yu.

Meanwhile, Philippine Airlines (PAL) also announced the newest addition to the various charter flights from Taipei to Kalibo. According to Sindy Lin, PAL Country Manager in Taiwan, “The PAL Taipei-Kalibo charter will start on December 9, 2009 using A320 aircraft with a seating capacity of 150.”

“Ease of travel is integral to tourism activity. With continued and additional charter flights, our most popular beach destinations can expect increased arrivals for the coming year ahead,” noted Tourism Secretary Ace Durano.

Jarque expressed DoT’s gratitude for the continuing support of both airlines in providing direct charter service to Kalibo, the gateway to Boracay Island. “The Philippines remains an acknowledged tropical destination for our white-sand beaches. Moreover, our tourism facilities are ready to accommodate numerous travelers who are looking for that unique island getaway.”

Alongside the promotional efforts was the Philippines’ active participation in the Taipei International Travel Fair (TITF) held at the Taipei World Trade Center which highlighted Davao as a premier nature and adventure destination.

“Davao has the best of both worlds. For nature lovers who want to experience mountain trekking and afterwards enjoy the waters, this is truly the place for them,” shared Jarque.

The 63-sq. m. Philippine pavilion at the TITF provided a very good venue for Philippine sellers & partner agents to promote various tour programs. The booth adopted a beach wedding theme to promote the country as a beach wedding and honeymoon destination. Tour operators, hotel and resort representatives from Manila, Boracay and Davao joined the Philippine delegation.

For her part, Bueno said this year’s TITF attracted a bigger delegation from the Philippines. The participation of 17 tourism establishments from the private sector made the Philippine booth even stronger in promoting the country to Taiwanese tourists.
Six local travel agents from Taiwan also joined the Philippine booth; namely A Team Travel Services; Fu Hsia Travel services; Wonderful Tours; Castle Tours; and De-Wey Study Abroad ESL Program.

“Both the Philippine private sector and the local agents reported good business deals for the country for 2010. Participants were able to get a total of 221 confirmed bookings for group tours and more than 800 queries were registered during the three - day fair,” Bueno added.
Boracay tops the list of favorite destination among the Taiwanese consumers followed by Cebu, Bohol, Palawan and Manila. They also showed interest in dive sites, golf and English language programs.