Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 21) – An air carrier said Friday it is reducing ticket and service fares for a limited time in a bid to increase revenues amid losses due to the coronavirus-related travel restrictions.
AirAsia will offer a 30-percent discount on all local airfares from Manila to Caticlan, Puerto Princesa, Bacolod, Cebu and others, and 22 percent on baggage and plane activities to push up the demand on domestic travel.
The budget carrier said those interested could avail of their offer until this Sunday, February 23 for travel between February 24 and September 30.
AirAsia Philippines CEO Ricky Isla expressed hope that “guests take advantage of our promotional fares and explore the options available when booking, such as discounted baggage, hotels, and activities for their future getaways.”
Local airline Cebu Pacific was the first to announce will reduce its year-round low fares over 70 domestic destinations in a show of support to the Department of Tourism’s campaign to boost domestic growth.
After COVID-19 reached the Philippines, airlines were among the hardest hit as they cut tens of thousands of flights to and from mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau in compliance to the country’s travel ban.
The travel ban was enforced to prevent the spread of the viral disease, which claimed the lives of more than 2,200 people, mostly in China, as of Friday.
Tourism Secretary Bernadetter Romulo-Puyat previously said that Philippines’ tourism sector stands to lose P42.9 billion in revenue due to the ban on visitors from mainland China and its special administrative regions. Tourism Congress of the Philippines said Chinese nationals are the second largest source of tourists in the Philippines.
