CEBU CITY, Cebu, Philippines — The Philippines may have huge potentials for being a top travel destination in Asia, but an international airline points out that the country is one of the most expensive destinations in this part of the world for international airline carriers.

“The Philippines imposes a heavy tax burden on foreign carriers that want to offer flights to the country,” said Cathay Pacific Airways Country Manager Camilla Taylor during the 21st Tourism Congress held here recently.

Taylor made this comment during a discussion with tourism stakeholders here on the government’s adoption of a liberalized air policy.

She lamented that foreign airlines have to shoulder overtime pay for customs, immigration and quarantine personnel if they want their own passengers to complete their travel processes immediately after arrival at periods that are beyond these personnel’s regular working hours.

Also, Taylor said, “If the Philippines wants entry of more foreign airlines that will also offer flights to Cebu and other key destinations, then stakeholders must address airport congestion,”

During said Congress, a tourism stakeholder commented that many frequent travelers have been heard to complain that while passengers board their flights on time, take off still takes long as airplanes – whether local or international – have to queue up to use the runway.

“These issues are obstacles,” pointed out Taylor. “If you want to invite international carriers, you have to make the space available.”