CLARK FREEPORT — Japan is fast becoming a top destination for Filipino travelers with a rapid increase of more than 500,000 in 2018 as compared to 450,000 in 2017, said Japan National Tourism Organization Executive Director Daisuke Tonai.
Tonai said Filipinos is the second largest in terms of the number of tourists arrival to Japan as compared to other countries in SoutEast Asia next to China. He expressed optimism that the figures will go up with the opening of Cebu Pacific Airline Clark-Narita flight.
NEW CEB GLIGHTS. Cebu Pacific President and CEO Lance Gokongwei presents the replica of CebPac airplane to DOTR Secretary Arthur Tugade during the launching of CebPac new routes to Tokyo, Japan; and Bacolod-Iloilo route at the Marriott Hotel.
— Photos by Deng Pangilinan
“Since the opening of JNTO office, we have been working with CEB which is very active in promoting Japan,” said Tonai during the launched of CEB Clark-Narita flight held at the Mariott Hotel here.
Filipinos like to visit Japan because of different sceneries, foods, shopping and to experience the country’s four seasons, according to Tonai during interview with the Primer Magazine February edition.
Easy access for visa applicantion, Tonai said is one of the factors that can be considered in the influx of Filipino visitors to Japan.
With the new route, Tonai said Clark is fast becoming the gateway to Japan and rest of the world.
Clark International Airport Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jaime Melo said CEB Clark-Narita flight is another milestone for Clark saying “what’s the use of airport withnout flights.” Melo said Clark has 22 domestic and 11 international destinations making it as one the busiest airports in the country today.
He also expressed thanks to CEB President and CEO Lance Gokongwei for continue believing of Clark potentials. CEB simultaneously opened Clark-Narita flight (four times a week); Clark Bacolod and Clark-Iloilo (daily).
Present during the occasion are Transportation Sec Arthur Tugade, CEB Lance Gokongwei, CIAC president and CEO Jaime Melo, JNTO Executive Director Daisuke Tonai, Mabalacat City Mayor Cris Garbo and Angeles City administrator Atty. Raffy Angeles.