Mayor Jerry Treñas has asked airline companies to increase the number of their domestic and international flights to and from Iloilo.
In a statement, the mayor said that “efficient and accessible air travel is crucial in supporting the growth of our economy, particularly in these times when [Iloilo City] is welcoming an influx of visitors for conferences and events.”
“This will not only provide more convenience to our valued travellers but also boost the tourism industry and contribute to the prosperity of our community,” he added.
Treñas wrote letters to AirAsia Philippines CEO Ricky Isla, Cebu Pacific CEO Mike Czucs, and Philippine Airlines president and CEO Capt. Stanley Ng.
“My office office receives influx of concerns from constituents with international and domestic flights whose travel needs are unmet caused not only by long queues at immigration for outbound travel but also exorbitant travel expenses associated with multiple bookings on connecting flights,” he stated.
He stressed that while tourism continues to be one of the sectors hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic, the economic landscape here in Iloilo City perceives a continuing travel boom to the Asia-Pacific Region.
“It would seemingly show that demand for travel has not dampened consumers looking to make up for time lost to the COVID-19 pandemic.Amid the ongoing health crisis, Ilonggos have rebounded strongly and drastically increased the boom in international travel alongside foreign employment offers to Filipinos,” said Treñas.
“All these considered, the travel and tourism economy have turned a corner, and are firmly on the road to recovery,” he added.IMT
