DOT, PAL team up to boost local tourism

MANILA, Philippines — Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) is teaming up with the Department of Tourism (DOT) to promote domestic tourism as travel opens up once again.

Called the “We Are Open” campaign, the initiative aims to encourage the public to visit domestic destinations and support the yearning for revenge travel.

“The campaign celebrates the reopening of borders and the return of holiday travel by air, with the hope of stimulating the recovery of Filipino communities that depend on tourism,” PAL said.

PAL president and COO Stanley Ng said the partnership between PAL and DOT seeks to revive the country’s tourism industry on which many communities and local businesses depend.

“DOT and PAL will invest aggressively to promote and advertise different destinations around the country,  reassuring visitors that the Philippines is open, alluring and safe,” he said.

To welcome flyers back, PAL is giving special fares until May 31, for travel on or after June 1.

PAL is offering as low as P298 one-way economy base fare for domestic flights with unlimited rebooking, free inflight snack, and advance seat selection.

It also offers as low as $160 roundtrip economy base fare for PAL international flights with unlimited rebooking, free inflight meal, and free baggage allowance.

PAL and DOT are also inviting the flying public to join an online challenge where winners will earn the chance to win roundtrip domestic flights.

The airline has added over 1,500 additional flights last March as part of a major expansion of its overseas and local network as international borders reopen and domestic travel restrictions ease.

The 1,500-plus flights represent a 52 percent expansion in regular scheduled flights, demonstrating the flag carrier’s confidence that tourist and business travel will rebound strongly in the coming months.

“We are reasonably optimistic that air travel will rebound in the months ahead, signaling a resurgence for Philippine tourism,” Ng said.