Direct flights to spur Phl-NZ tourist traffic
The opening of direct flights from the Philippines to New Zealand is seen to spur tourist traffic between the two countries.
Tourism regional manager Steven Dixon said that New Zealand has always been the favorite overseas destination among Filipinos, but due to the unavailability of direct access, the potential failed to materialize in the past.
But now with the availability of direct flights, such as the direct ManilaAuckland flight of the Philippine Airlines (PAL) starting in December, both destinations will be benefited.
“We will increase our efforts to market New Zealand to the Philippines,” said Dixon.
With the entry of PAL to New Zealand, the tourism exchange of both countries is seen to strengthen further as the Philippines is also becoming one of the top vacation destinations for New Zealanders.
About 28,000 New Zealanders visit the Philippines each year, while Filipinos going to New Zealand keep on growing each year at 29 percent with the latest count at 23,000 of which 8,000 Filipinos spend their holidays in New Zealand.
Aside from its tropical setting, Filipinos' warmth and fantastic culture and nature attractions, like beaches, Palawan's underground river, interesting heritage in Vigan, are the top selling itineraries of Kiwis visiting the Philippines.
The direct connection between the Philippines and New Zealand would also usher in tourism and trade opportunities to other islands in the Philippines including Cebu, which expansion of its international airport is due for opening in June 2018.
Department of Tourism (DOT-7) data showed that from January to April this year, arrivals of Kiwis to Central Visayas rose 18.64 percent or 2,591.
Cebu province in particular, welcomed 2,002 Kiwis during the period.
New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines David Strachan confirmed that the Philippines’ greatest asset in tourism is its people.
Filipinos’ inherent hospitality, alongside its rich natural resources and history and culture are what attracts New Zealanders to keep coming back to the country, the Ambassador added.
The Philippine flag carrier PAL currently flies to Auckland but with a stopover in Cairns, Australia. With the new direct service, the airline announced it would cancel its existing ManilaCairns-Auckland service on December 5.