More Filipino travelers heading for Japan

HOT SPOT Many tourists try to reach the summit of Mt. Fuji at sunrise. —AFP

Budget carrier Cebu Pacific is seeing stronger interest in its routes to Japan as more travelers visit one of the most popular tourist destinations in Asia and the rest of the world.

The Gokongwei-led airline, in a statement, says the volume of passengers it flew to Japan nearly doubled to 110,000 in the first quarter. The latest figure is also 20-percent better than the prepandemic volume.

“Japan has become a top-of-mind destination for Filipino travelers,” the airline says. “Filipinos visit Japan for its blend of cultural appreciation and modernity—catering to all types of Filipino travelers.”

The tourist spots in Japan include Mt. Fuji, Shibuya Crossing, Asakusa Kannon Temple and Shinjuku Gyoen Garden.

In November last year, the Philippines’ Department of Tourism and Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism inked a landmark agreement to further boost tourism between the countries.

Their goal is to increase tourist arrivals for both countries by encouraging tourists to visit attractions, including those in the rural areas. This move is also seen as an opportunity for tourists to be exposed to both countries’ customs and cultures.

Currently, Cebu Pacific offers flights from Manila to Fukuoka, Nagoya, Narita and Osaka. It also provides routes from Cebu and Clark to Narita.

$12-B aircraft order

Amid the resurgence of air travel, the low-cost airline has been beefing up its fleet.

The airline is ready to spend at least P60 billion this year to add 18 aircraft into its fleet. It is currently operating 15 turboprops, eight Airbus 330s, 39 Airbus 320s and 21 Airbus 321s.

In addition, the company is in the process of reviewing proposals from jet manufacturers Airbus and Boeing for its $12-billion aircraft order.

Cebu Pacific saw its first-quarter net earnings more than double to P2.24 billion on the back of busier operations. Passenger revenues, in particular, improved by 25 percent to P18 billion as volume grew by 14 percent to 5.5 million passengers.

The airline services over 35 domestic and 24 international destinations.