New int'l routes opening in Visayas airports

By Roderick T. dela Cruz

Kalibo, Aklan airport

New international routes will be opened to bring foreign tourists from Russia, China and Korea to different destinations in the Visayas over the next two months, according to the Department of Tourism.

The DOT said direct flights between Shanghai in China and Kalibo, the capital town of Aklan province, which has jurisdiction over the world-renowned resort island of Boracay, were expected to begin next month.

He said direct flights between Incheon City, where Korea's main international airport is located, and Bacolod City, the capital of Negros Occidental province in Western Visayas, would also be mounted.

In December, international flights will be launched between Beijing, the capital city of China and Kalibo, according to the DOT.

Bacolod airport

The Tourism office said more international flights would also be opened to bring visitors from Russia and China to Cebu, the main gateway in the Visayas.

Early this month, Asian Spirit launched new flights from Macau, China to Sta. Ana, Cagayan, which is being developed as a free port and gaming destination in the northeastern part of Luzon.

The DOT said the plan aims to "internationalize our provincial airports" to bring tourists directly to major destinations, without passing Metro Manila.

The Department of Tourism disclosed that a group of Korean investors was building an international airport in Carabao Island in Romblon to transform the island into the next Boracay.