MEDIA RELEASE

February 2011

DOT welcomes maiden ANA flight, JATA bigwigs

The Department of Tourism (DOT) leads the industry in welcoming the

inaugural flight of Japan’s leading carrier, All Nippon Airways (ANA) from Narita to

Manila on 27 February 2011. The event is deemed as a double treat as among its

passengers will be senior officials of the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)

led by its Chairman, Akira Kanai. JATA is the biggest aggrupation of travel and tour

operators, accommodation and transportation providers and even academic and

legal institutions. ANA is also a member of JATA.

The VIP guests are expected to put in a good word for the Philippines as they

sample a brief but interesting familiarization tour of Manila and are treated to a

special dinner reception that is representative of the country’s culinary bests.

DOT Secretary Alberto A. Lim remarked, “This new service between Narita

and Manila will help us obtain a larger share of the Japanese outbound travellers.

We are confident that the direct link, complemented by efforts of the JATA

intermediaries, will stimulate stronger traffic from this major source market.”

Japan remains the third largest tourist market for the Philippines, growing

10.39% from 2009 to 358,744 visitors in 2010. Its 10.19% share of all visitor volume

counts toward a best-performing East Asian market among all regions.

 Currently, four airlines combine for 61 flights weekly from Japan to the

Philippines. Philippine Airlines (PAL) accounts for 32, Japan Airlines for 14, Delta Air

Lines for 12 and Cebu Pacific for 3.

Of the total weekly flights, 34 fly out of Narita, 12 out of Nagoya, 10 out of

Osaka and 5 out of Fukuoka. The bulk land in Manila except for PAL’s six times-

weekly Narita-Cebu service. All of these represent a weekly capacity of 18,071

seats.

ANA will commence daily services from Narita to Manila in March.

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CONTACT: EVELYN A. MACAYAYONG

Office of Tourism Information
525-18-05