New direct Kalibo-Hong Kong flights expected to boost tourism

Philippine officials expect a major tourism boost with the new, direct flights between Kalibo, Aklan in the Philippines and Hong Kong.   In a news release, the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong said the new flights will help meet the Philippines' target of 10 million tourists this year.   "The Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong looks forward to a significant increase in tourists from Hong Kong visiting Boracay and other points of interest in the Philippines given the Philippine government's target of 10 million tourists by 2016," the consulate said. "Kalibo is one of the international gateways to the world-famous island of Boracay," the DFA noted.   In March, Philippine air carrier Cebu Pacific launched direct flights from Hong Kong to Kalibo.   On April 18, flag carrier Philippine Airlines also launched its own direct flights. However, a PAL news release said the actual flights from Hong Kong to Kalibo will start on April 27. - VVP, GMA News