In a significant development for the travel industry, AirAsia Philippines is poised to witness a new era of seamless international travel following the Department of Health’s (DOH) decision to abolish the vaccine certificate requirement for inbound foreign travelers. Effective 12 August 2023, the move is expected to fuel further growth in the international travel sector, marking a pivotal step towards normalization after months of pandemic-induced restrictions.
The DOH Circular 2023-06, which encompasses all airports and seaports across the Philippines, now dictates that “all arriving international travelers are accepted regardless of their vaccination status.” This progressive policy shift arrives on the heels of the Transportation Department’s prior announcement of the discontinuation of face mask mandates for public transportation.
Highlighting the influence of these regulatory changes, AirAsia Philippines’ astute marketing analytics team has revealed a fascinating landscape in travel trends. Analyzing the period spanning from 01 January 2023 to 13 August 2023, their findings underscored Koreans as the leading nationality among visitors, comprising an impressive 13%. They were followed closely by Japanese travelers at 7%, Chinese at 6%, Taiwanese at 3%, and a diverse amalgamation of Americans and other nationalities constituting 22%. Noteworthy destinations during this vibrant period included the scenic locales of Cebu, Caticlan (Boracay), Davao, Iloilo, and Tacloban.
“Since the pandemic, the vaccine certificate has been the most essential travel requirement for inbound tourists. The lifting of this travel requirement is a major step towards making travel more seamless and will definitely encourage travelers, regardless of vaccination status, to experience the Philippines. This is also very timely now that we are a few days away from welcoming the “Ber” months, the usual peak of travel in the Philippines,” according to First Officer Steve Dailisan, AirAsia Philippines Head for Communications and Public Affairs.
With the Department of Tourism (DOT) setting an ambitious target of welcoming 4.8 million international tourist arrivals in 2023, AirAsia Philippines aims to play a pivotal role in contributing to this objective. The World’s Best Low-Cost Airline has vowed to support this target through its unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional services, underpinned by irresistible value deals for flights and an array of travel-related services accessible through the airasia Superapp.
In tandem with these developments, AirAsia Philippines extends a friendly reminder to its valued guests: all international flights will continue to utilize the NAIA Terminal 3 for arrivals and departures, while all domestic flights have been smoothly relocated to NAIA Terminal 2. Travel advisories and vital information concerning flight schedules are diligently updated and readily available via the comprehensive AirAsia travel safety website.
As AirAsia Philippines anticipates a surge in international travel facilitated by the removal of the vaccine certificate requirement, the airline remains committed to delivering unparalleled travel experiences, fostering a renewed sense of adventure and exploration in the hearts of global travelers. With the skies opening up and regulatory barriers easing, the stage is set for a vibrant resurgence in the realm of international travel.