Department of Tourism eyes more tourist arrivals

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Tourism (DOT) remains optimistic of a boost in arrivals this year, noting reported highlights in the transport industry recently.

“We are confident that despite the challenges, we can expect a big volume of arrivals this year, as already indicated by initial reports of our partner stakeholders in the transport sector,” Tourism Secretary Ace Durano said.

The tourism chief noted the 1.97 million passengers or 28 percent growth in passenger volume of Cebu Pacific for the first quarter of the year, owing to the airline’s added fleet and competitive fares.

Philippine Airlines (PAL), on the other hand, geared up for the holidays with the opening of additional flights to local summer destinations, Boracay and Busuanga and international spots, Vancouver, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, according to Durano.   

In the shipping industry, Europe’s leading cruise company, Costa Cruises, announced the launch of its new ship plying the Philippine route.

Costa Cruises recently debuted Costa Classica, to double its voyages in the Far East. The shipping company is also set to replace Costa Allegra in 2010 with an even bigger vessel called the Costa Romantica. Costa Cruises started their Asian tours in 2006 with Costa Allegra.

Costa Classica will be calling on the port of Manila in October, targeting a 43 percent increase in scheduled port of calls to the country over the last year.

Durano added that Holland America Line also met with him recently to discuss the MS Volendam’s itinerary in the Philippines.

“We are exploring proposals with MS Volendam to augment the frequency of their trips to the country, as they carry European tourists mostly from the high-spending segment,” he said.

MS Volendam will dock in Manila in April, as part of its 47-day Orient and Alaska voyage.