The Philippine government is advocating for the introduction of direct flights from Brunei to Clark and Cebu to attract more visitors from Southeast Asia’s second richest country. Currently, only Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Royal Brunei Airlines operate flights between Manila and Bandar Seri Begawan, according to Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco.
“Our goal is to enhance connectivity not just to Manila but directly to our tourism destinations such as Cebu and Clark,” Frasco stated. She explained that the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) will collaborate on route development through air talks and negotiations to increase flights and destinations outside Manila.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed the DOT to boost tourist arrivals from Brunei, emphasizing the spending power of tourists from the oil-rich nation. “We are focusing on the quality of tourists, looking at visitor spending because the income capacity of visitors from Brunei ensures higher tourism spending,” Frasco added.
The increase in tourism from Brunei is expected to enhance livelihood and tourism opportunities for Filipinos, complementing the employment of 5.35 million Filipinos in the tourism sector. In 2023, the Philippines recorded P482 billion in international visitor receipts and P53.33 billion from domestic travelers, Frasco noted.
Additionally, the DOT will advocate for a Value Added Tax (VAT) refund mechanism to promote shopping tourism.