PR reinforce strong visitor numbers

Philippine Airlines has released new fares across its Asian network in support of growing visitor arrivals to the Philippines this year.

Australian passengers travelling to Asia will have the opportunity to include a free stopover in Manila as part of the airline’s promotional offer.

End destinations include Taipei, Tokyo, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai and Ho Chi Minh City.

Philippine Airlines has also enlisted five top-tier international chefs to develop new menus across all services, domestic and international.

The Philippines Department of Tourism (DOT) welcomed over 2.1 million foreign visitors in the first six months of the year; an increase of almost 12 percent compared to the same period in 2011.

“The Philippine tourism industry is beginning to enjoy an international renaissance, which has the capacity to propel the country into one of the region’s best performers over the next decade,” Philippine DOT secretary Ramon Jimenez said.

Philippine Airlines recently deployed its flagship Boeing 777 aircraft on all Australian services in June, operating non-stop flights from both Sydney and Melbourne to Manila.

“It’s great to see Australian’s showing so much interest in the Filipino culture, food and lifestyle,” Philippine Airlines country manager Arnul Pan told e-Travel Blackboard at the opening night of the ‘Flavours of the Philippines’ food festival at The Grace Hotel in Sydney.

The Australian market has displayed positive growth, with over 92,000 arrivals to the Philippines in the first-half of 2012, up almost 12 percent year-on-year.

“Current policy reforms to facilitate entry, infrastructure developments to improve travel within the country, fresh investments to expand transportation, accommodation, and recreation facilities, and product enhancement - all these will help realize our year-end target of 4.6 million visitors,” Philippine DOT secretary Jimenez said.

Sourced: etravelblackboardasia