DPWH gives attention to tourism highways
By Rose B. Palacio
Davao City (24 May) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is giving attention to tourism highway in order to facilitate tourist mobility and access to major destinations and attractions.
Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano cited DPWH's efforts in improving tourism highways to reciprocate ongoing expansions of airports in the country.
Secretary Durano commended the strong government support to infrastructure projects which are very important to the development of industry in the Philippines.
The Arroyo Administration is making infrastructure support a top priority. He said efforts are being undertaken to reciprocate and complement ongoing expansions and upgrading of infrastructure projects to speed-up air connectivity among ASEAN countries.
The Department of Transportation and Communications is also improving the Busuanga Airport in Northern Palawan while a P600-million fund was raised to enhance the Mactan International Airport in Cebu.
Secretary Durano said he projects the big potential the country can offer to the foreign market, and international airlines which are are continuing to forge partnerships with the local tourism.
The foreign airline Air India is said to partner with the Philippine Air Lines as PAL resumes flights to Beijing and open new routes in Nagoya.
Secretary Durano explained that such efforts are very critical as the tourism sector in the Philippines is aiming to reach five million visitors in 2010. (PIA) [top]
