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Manila Bulletin devider devider Direct flights between Iloilo and China eyed

Direct flights between Iloilo and China eyed

Published Sep 27, 2018 03:12 pm
By Tara Yap ILOILO CITY – The Department of Tourism (DOT) is looking at the possibility of opening direct flights between Iloilo and mainland China. Iloilo’s Gem — The Iloilo International Airport was recently named as one of Asia’s best airports by the travel website ‘The Guide To Sleeping in Airports.’ (Tara Yap|Manila Bulletin) Iloilo International Airport (Tara Yap/ Manila Bulletin FILE PHOTO) “We’ve been talking of the possibility of direct flights,” said Atty. Helen Catalbas, DOT – Western Visayas regional director. Catalbas told the Manila Bulletin thaqt the idea was raised during a meeting recently with major tour operators. Specifically, direct flights between Iloilo and Guangzhou or Xiamen are being eyed. “These places are much morecloser to the Philippines,” Catalbas explained. The direct flights are in the table as the country gears to welcome more Chinese tourists next year. With 1 million to 1.5 million Chinese tourists expected to visit the Philippines in 2019, DOT-Wedtern Visayas is targeting at least 300,000 Chinese visitors to the region, which is made up of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo and Negros Occidental. Last year, 386,095 Chinese tourists visited Western Visayas. Majority of these Chinese tourists stayed at workld-renowned of Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan. While the government wants to limit the number of tourists coming in to Boracay, Catalbas said Chinese and other foreign tourists can visit and enjoy other regional attractions and destinations. In a related development, DOT-Western Visayas has been holding training sessions for Mandarin-speaking tour guides in preparation for the influx of Chinese tourists.
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