Boost for Philippine aviation tourism

Manila, Philippines – THE Clark International Airport won the 2013 Routes Airport Marketing Award in the Under 20 Million Passengers Category, beating six other major airports in Asia, while the Department of Tourism (DOT) received the Highly Commended Destination Marketing Award. The awards were presented during the 11th Routes Asia networking gala in Mumbai, India, on March 18, 2013. Routes Asia, organized by United Kingdombased UBM Aviation Routes, is the largest Asian route development event.

Clark Airport was cited for its “Phenomenal performance“ in passenger traffic and aircraft movement in 2012. The airport had a banner year last year, posting growth of 72% in passenger traffic, 69% in air traffic movement, and 44% in airport revenues. It drew a total of 1,315,757 domestic and international passengers surpassing the 767,109 figure in 2011. Airport revenue grew by 44% from R355 million in 2011 to R511 million in 2012.

The start of 2013 brought new optimism, with the signing of an agreement between Clark International Airport Corporation and Emirates, which selected Clark Airport as its second Philippine destination with daily direct flights from Dubai to Clark starting October 1, 2013. Tourism officials are eyeing Clark Airport as Asia’s next aerotropolis, an idea in community planning where airports serve as centers for new cities growing around it.

Over 700 aviation professionals participated in this year’s airline and airport networking event. The Routes Airport Marketing Awards recognize the highest standards of marketing activities by airports. Changi International Airport in Singapore won the award for the Over 200 Million Passengers Category. In the Under 20 Million Passengers Category, Clark Airport by passed six other major airports in Asia ­ Aukland International Airport in New Zealand, Bengaluru International Airport in India, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in India, Juanda-Surabaya International Airport in Indonesia, Kansai International Airport in Japan, and Siem Reap International Airport in Cambodia.

We congratulate the Department of Tourism headed by Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez, and Clark International Airport Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer Victor Jose I. Luciano, in their combined undertakings to develop the Clark International Airport into an aviation hub. CONGRATULATIONS AND MABUHAY!

Sourced: tempo