More European tourists expected in Boracay as EU lifts air ban

The Department of Tourism (DOT) sees more tourists from European countries coming to this resort island.

Tim Ticar, acting chief of DOT-Boracay, said Thursday that this developed after reports indicate that the Philippine Airlines (PAL) has been delisted by the European Union (EU) in its roster of banned air carriers.

The EU has banned the country’s flag carrier for several years because of security concerns.

"Visitors from European countries such as Germany and Italy have been in the top 10 among tourists coming to Boracay in the past. We believe that the delisting of PAL would translate to more tourism opportunities for this resort island," Ticar said.

The DOT have been calling on both national government agencies and local government units to upgrade the facilities of both the Kalibo International Airport (KIA) and the Caticlan-Cagban Jetty Ports to boost tourist arrivals here.

Just last week, the KIA increased its terminal fee to P100 from P40 to cope with the needed facilities for the airport. The increase of terminal fee was approved by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines.