The Philippine Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) supports the need for a more liberalized and deregulated air transport industry within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).
Speaking before delegates at the opening of the APEC Tourism Destination 2020 conference last week at the Sofitel Hotel in Manila, Transport Secretary Manuel Roxas II said a liberalized and deregulated industry would open up more markets resulting in greater passenger traffic and cargo volume.
Roxas committed Philippine government support to the APEC Tourism Charter of 2000 goal for free and open trade in the Asia-Pacific region through the provision of convenient, safe and reliable transportation of goods and people.
The APEC Tourism Charter of 2000 is a group that promotes efficient regional economic integration through policy alignment and structural reforms. Forming part of the charter is the APEC Transportation Working Group which pushes liberalization of transportation services and works to enhance safety of APEC transport systems. It also helps balance security, safety and environmental requirements with trade facilitation.
Industry statistics show tourist arrivals in the region reached 216 million in 2011, up 6% year-on-year.
Member airlines of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines posted a 3.7% increase in international passenger traffic last year with a on capacity growth of 6.3%.
Airline Route by digitalart http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=2280
