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Top official highlights vital role of domestic carriers in tourism efforts

DUBAI: Philippine Tourism Assistant Secretary Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar has underscored the vital role domestic carriers play in the government’s efforts to promote tourism among overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

“Marami nang mga OFWs ngayon na kapag uuwi sila ng Pilipinas, pupunta muna sa pami-pamilya nila tapos dadalhin sila sa mga destinations kasi mas mura that way,” Abubakar told The Filipino Times at Arabian Travel Market (ATM).

She said this is made possible by the presence of domestic airlines like Cebu Pacific, which has the biggest network; Philippine Airlines and Air Asia.

Abubakar said more often than not, relatives of returning OFWs would book for their family getaway ahead of the arrival. “May schedule na bago pa man makauwi. Yung pamilya naghahanap na ng promo kung saan sila pwedeng mamasyal,” she said.

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Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar, Philippine Tourism Assistant Secretary

Also, Abubakar said local airlines have help boost domestic tourism. “Yung mga nasa Visayas at Mindanao pumupunta ng Luzon habang yung nasa Luzon naman ay lumilipad sa Visayas or Mindanao,” she said.

As well, she said domestic flights “help a lot in promoting tourism.”

“Puro isla kasi tayo,” she said, adding that travel and tour companies tie up with airlines to generate business through promotional packages.

The ATM, now on its 26th edition, is an international annual event participated in by key industry players around the world. It runs from April 28 to May 1, 2019 at Dubai World Trade Centre.

Staff Report

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