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THE
Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) has registered
4.5 million passenger arrivals for 2007 so far and
200,000 more could be added before the year’s end,
marking one of the highest tallied at the premier
airport.
Manila
International Airport Authority (Miaa) general manager
Alfonso Cusi said the influx of tourists from developed
countries swelled the record, along with returning
workers and balikbayan. “Traditionally, December is the
month that the Naia records the highest number
of arrivals and we expect about 200,000 more to arrive
before the year is over.”
He
credited Tourism Secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano and his
aggressive selling of the Philippines as one of Asia’s
most desired destinations, where tourists and visitors
could enjoy first-class shopping and world-class
beaches.
“Of the
world’s biggest malls, the country has several of them;
and our beaches and friendly people, plus the latest
survey showing that we have one of the lowest cost of
living, are unmatched combinations to lure tourists to
come to our shores,” said Cusi.
Balikbayan and vacationing workers led the arrivals,
Cusi noted, adding, “We do know it is the custom of
Pinoys to always surprise their families, especially
during the Christmas holidays.”
The
airport immigration bureau had to field more officers
during peak-arrival hours from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and
from 9:30 p.m. up to midnight, according to head
supervisor Ferdinand Sampol. Five jumbo jets and two
Airbus jets usually arrive at almost the same time
during the night shift, such as flights by Northwest
Airlines, Philippine Airlines, Korean Airlines, Japan
Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Cebu Pacific.
This
year’s “Pamaskong Handog para sa OFW” is under way, a
yearly affair to recognize the sacrifices Filipinos
working abroad by giving them extra attention during the
holidays, with plenty of prizes from President Arroyo. |
