AirAsia eyes more Malaysia-Boracay direct flights after successful GTBA diplomatic forum

AirAsia Philippines is looking to offer more direct flights to Boracay from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia after the successful first edition of the diplomatic business forum, organized by the Global Tourism Business Association (GTBA) and hosted by the Boracay Malay LGU last April 19, 2024. 

AirAsia Philippines CEO Ricardo Isla, one of the panelists in the event together with other airline representatives and ambassadors to the Philippines, said offering direct flights to Boracay would help ease congestion in the country’s main gateway, NAIA. “Recognizing the challenges posed by congestion in Manila, AirAsia is exploring the possibility of opening direct flights to Boracay to offer guests a convenient and seamless travel journey to the island,” Isla said. He adds that AirAsia Philippines recorded a healthy load factor of 94 percent in April, with international passengers comprising about 20 percent of which. “Our records show that most of the guests come from countries like the US, China, the UK, South Korea, Japan, Germany, and Canada. It’s crucial for airlines to make travel easy and accessible for our guests so that there’s more opportunity to attract foreign tourists,” Isla said. 

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The Boracay Business forum gathered several diplomats, travel and tourism stakeholders, and local government leaders to talk about new ways of promoting the renowned island destination. “We mounted this business forum to help the local government of Malay tap into new markets and cut across more demographics and we’re very happy to see it bearing fruit this early on,” GTBA President Michelle Taylan said. “We’re hoping to get more ideas flowing and to collaborate with as many sectors as possible to try and develop new offers for the traveling public.” With the success of the Boracay Business Forum, the GTBA is planning to conduct another series soon. 

The association is also preparing for the second edition of the Travel Sale Expo, happening on September 27-29, 2024 at the SM Megamall Megatrade Hall.

ADVT.