NAIA: From worst to ‘most improved’

The Skytrax survey that named the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) as among the world’s “most improved airports” is the kind of good news that will improve the image of the Philippines abroad. The London-based consultancy firm conducted the survey from August 2017 to February 2018, with 13.73 million passengers composed of 100 different nationalities evaluating 550 airports all over the world in terms of check-ins, arrivals, transfers, shopping, security, immigration and departure at the gate.  

I myself have heard from Filipino-Americans who told me that they are happy with the latest Skytrax report because NAIA has improved dramatically over the last three years. The 70-year-old international airport was often the subject of complaints and criticisms because of poorly maintained facilities like toilets with no water, poor air conditioning, and brownouts that resulted in a lot of discomfort and inconvenience to travelers who had to put up with the sweltering heat and long lines to claim their baggage and clear Customs. Worse, the brownouts also caused flights to be delayed.

I have always believed that the tourism industry can be a major contributor to our economic growth. Aside from foreign visitors, we should also encourage Filipinos or locals to explore the Philippines and not be a stranger in their own country. However, it would be difficult to attract visitors if our main airport is adjudged as among the worst in the world not only because of antiquated and poorly maintained facilities, but due to theft and pilferage of baggage and scams such as the “tanim bala” where unscrupulous airport personnel plant bullets in the baggage of passengers with the intention of shaking them down for several thousands of pesos. Aside from major airports like NAIA and Clark, we also have provincial airports that could also benefit from physical improvements to make the experience more pleasant and comfortable for travelers. 

Hopefully, the massive infrastructure program of the administration of President Duterte will move according to plan so that in the next five to 10 years, Filipinos will have something to be really proud of, such as world class airports that boast of topnotch facilities as well as efficient procedures and excellent services. And judging from recent developments, it seems that the government is on track as far as airport expansions and improvements all around the country are concerned. 

Just recently, the terminal building of the Daniel Z. Romualdez airport was expanded to double the number of passengers it could accommodate. Rehabilitation work for the Ormoc City Airport – which was badly damaged by super typhoon Yolanda – is also set to be completed this year. Meantime, in Cagayan, the expanded and rehabilitated Passenger Terminal Building of the Tuguegarao City Airport had a soft opening 10 days ago. Aside from improvement of facilities, the runway and taxiway were also widened while the Airfield Lighting System was also upgraded.

The fact is, the government has set aside close to P31 billion for infrastructure projects aimed at boosting the Philippines’ tourism sector through the Tourism Road Infrastructure Program (TRIP). For 2018, the Department of Public Works and Highways has lined up 1,688 kilometers of tourism roads under 677 projects (spanning 16 regions all over the country) for implementation.

A major partner in promoting Philippine tourism is Philippine Airlines (PAL). I recently had lunch with Michael Tan who visited me here in Washington, D.C. I told Michael – who is a member of the board of PAL – that our country’s flag carrier is really doing a good job in promoting the Philippines. PAL is continuously improving its services and has set aside several billions to purchase new aircraft, and is adding more domestic and international routes.

PAL is starting the Davao-Siargao route this month, while flights to Australia will be increased starting June to accommodate the growing demand, with the current thrice weekly service to become five times a week.

A month ago, PAL received the coveted 4-Star rating from Skytrax – and this has encouraged the airline to go for a 5-Star rating by 2020. PAL president and COO Jimmy Bautista says they want PAL to represent the best of the Philippines and the best of Filipinos to the rest of the world. This is why the flag carrier recently inked an agreement with Amadeus to make the experience even better for travelers.

PAL will be adopting the Amadeus Altea Suite to streamline and improve all core passenger processes. Since the airline can serve as the first encounter of a first-time tourist to the Philippines, the role of PAL is definitely important in leaving a favorable impression to visitors regarding the Philippines.

Our Embassy in Washington, D.C.  is also doing its part in promoting the Philippines among Fil-Ams and Americans. One of the things focus on is to improve the way we do things, like visa applications and other related services.

Just recently, we embarked on the Ambassadors’ Tour which has been ongoing for 12 years. This is a flagship project of all Philippine Foreign Service posts in the US that gives Filipinos and Americans an opportunity to visit their homeland and become Philippine “tourism ambassadors.”

Participants are encouraged to bring friends with them to share the experience of the Philippines, explore potential business opportunities and experience the famed Filipino hospitality through exciting and affordable tour packages. This year, the Ambassadors’ Tour will be featuring top destinations in Manila, Cebu and Bohol with activities that include shopping and dining, swimming with whale sharks or just hanging out with tarsiers – all of which are guaranteed to make the visit to the Philippines truly enjoyable.

*      *      *

Email: [email protected].