In a strategic move aimed at preserving the pristine allure of Boracay while elevating its status as a premier tourist and investment destination, AirAsia Philippines is the official airline carrier tasked with transporting ambassadors from ASEAN and other Asian nations for a significant event. The airline will be facilitating the transportation of diplomats to Boracay for a 3-day International Business Forum and Diplomatic Visit, scheduled to take place in the idyllic island paradise.
Scheduled to land in Caticlan on Thursday, 18 April 2024, AirAsia flight Z2 217 will be ferrying esteemed Ambassadors from Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Pakistan, Taiwan, and other diplomatic representatives to participate in this crucial gathering. The event is designed to serve as a pivotal platform for fostering international collaboration and forging economic and tourism partnerships specifically tailored for Boracay’s development.
Among the topics slated for discussion by the attending diplomats, business leaders, stakeholders, and local government officials of Boracay and Aklan are opportunities for collaborative ventures, the evolution of digital marketing strategies, and the promotion of sustainable tourism practices within the region.
“As an ASEAN carrier, AirAsia takes pride in welcoming our Ambassadors to Boracay. By flying our international leaders, we hope to contribute in promoting Boracay not just as a tourist destination, but also as a potential foreign investment hub. This also cements AirAsia’s position as a market leader in airline operations in Boracay. AirAsia is the preferred airline partner of guests traveling to Boracay because of its affordable fare, best deals with over 1,000 hotels and accommodations in the island available through the AirAsia MOVE platform, and the world class service it offers. All year round, the world’s best low-cost airline enjoys an average load factor of 90-95% with over 300 thousand seats sold for Q1 of 2024 alone. It is in fact the top booked destination among all AirAsia routes,” according to Ricky Isla, CEO of AirAsia Philippines expressing his enthusiasm for the upcoming forum. Isla will also serve as a panelist, highlighting the opportunity to showcase the wonders of Boracay firsthand to the diplomatic community.
Currently, AirAsia Philippines operates nine (09) daily flights between Manila and Caticlan, daily flights from Clark to Caticlan, and three (03) weekly flights from Cebu to Caticlan, in addition to three (03) daily flights via Kalibo International Airport.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, AirAsia remained actively engaged in promoting Boracay as a premier leisure destination. The airline initiated campaigns featuring prominent Filipino celebrities such as Ms. Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, Jodi Sta Maria, Vice Ganda, Arci Munoz, Christine Reyes, and Yeng Constantino, under its “Airline of the Stars” campaign, aimed at supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises.
The efforts to promote Boracay have not gone unnoticed, with the island receiving numerous international accolades, including recognition by Time Magazine as one of the “50 World’s Greatest Places” and securing the 18th spot in the 2023 World Beach Guide. Boracay was also named the 5th Best Island Destination by the 2023 DestinAsian Readers’ Choice Award and claimed the third position in Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2023. Most recently, Boracay has been nominated as Asia’s Leading Luxury Island Destination in the 2024 World Travel Awards, further solidifying its status as a global tourism hotspot.