Palawan govt inks deal with carrier for year-round fare promos for Puerto Princesa flights

The Palawan government inked a deal with AirAsia Zest on Wednesday at the Palawan Provincial Capitol in the hopes of further promoting the province to local and foreign tourists.

With the memorandum of agreement signed by Palawan Governor Jose "Pepito" Alvarez, AirAsia Zest CEO Joy Cañeba, and Palawan Tourism Council President Deborah Tan, the airline is committed to offering year-round promo fares for Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

"It's a shared vision for all of us to bring tourism into Palawan. Palawan is known for delivering world- class service as a world-class tourist destination," said  Cañeba. "Because we are a regional airline as well, it's just fitting that this partnership come to life."

Department of Tourism Region 4-A Regional Director Minerva Morada was also present to express the national government's support.

"This is PPP [public-private partnership] in action, where all the stakeholders share a common goal in increasing tourist arrivals in Palawan, which will in turn pave the way for more jobs," Morada said. "It is also very timely that this year is the 'Visit Philippines' year. This partnership is a good example of unity and strong collaboration among all the major players in tourism which may be emulated by all the other provinces in the country."

Aside from providing year-round low fares, the airline is also partnering with local hotels and tour operators to bring them to Manila and around the country for travel expos to promote the province.

"I hope not only magazines will name us the best island, but the whole tourism world should recognize all of this," said Alvarez.

The province saw almost a million tourists in 2014, a feat the local government hopes to double in 2015. — BM, GMA News