The Department of Tourism (DOT) has expressed its excitement over the recent announcement by the French embassy that direct flights between France and the Philippines will officially resume in December 2024. This development is seen as a significant milestone in strengthening the ties between the two countries, particularly in the tourism and travel sectors. The resumption of these flights is expected to boost travel opportunities, making it more convenient for Filipino travelers to visit France, as well as opening up the Philippines to more European tourists.
The DOT’s endorsement of this move underscores its commitment to enhancing international travel links, which will ultimately support the growth of the tourism industry in the country. During a press briefing held on Tuesday, French Ambassador Marie Fontanel announced that the upcoming flight from Manila to Paris, scheduled for December 8th, will be the first in two decades. This long-anticipated flight, to be operated by Air France KLM, is part of a broader effort to revitalize travel between the Philippines and France.
Ambassador Fontanel emphasized the importance of this direct connection in fostering better cultural and economic exchanges, as it will allow both Filipinos and French citizens to experience the richness of each other’s countries. The news was met with enthusiasm, especially from frequent travelers who have long awaited a more streamlined route between these two destinations. The new Manila-Paris route will operate three times a week, with flights scheduled on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. This regular service is expected to meet the growing demand for travel between the Philippines and Europe. By providing a reliable and direct connection, it is anticipated that more tourists from both sides will be encouraged to explore these destinations. The introduction of this route is also likely to spur increased business travel, further enhancing the economic ties between the two nations.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco expressed her enthusiasm about the resumption of direct flights, noting that this initiative will play a pivotal role in promoting the Philippines as a prime destination for European travelers. She emphasized that direct connectivity with Europe has always been a key objective for the country’s tourism sector, as it facilitates easier access for international visitors. Secretary Garcia-Frasco believes that this development will enhance the Philippines’ appeal, particularly as it continues to recover from the challenges brought by the global pandemic. The resumption of flights is expected to provide a significant boost to the country’s tourism industry, contributing to its overall growth.
Moreover, the introduction of these direct flights will not only benefit tourism but also foster stronger diplomatic relations between the Philippines and France. Secretary Garcia-Frasco highlighted that such connections are essential in building deeper relationships between nations, as they promote cultural exchange and understanding. As more French tourists are expected to visit the Philippines, the DOT plans to collaborate closely with local tourism stakeholders to offer attractive travel packages and experiences tailored to European travelers. These efforts aim to showcase the country’s natural beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality to a broader global audience.
Looking ahead, the resumption of direct flights between Manila and Paris is seen as a positive step toward further enhancing the Philippines’ presence on the global tourism stage. With the growing demand for travel, the DOT remains committed to pursuing similar partnerships with other international carriers to expand the country’s direct connections with key global markets. This initiative marks the beginning of a new chapter in the Philippines’ tourism landscape, one that is filled with exciting possibilities for both travelers and the industry alike.
The resumption of direct flights between the Philippines and France is expected to pave the way for additional connections from other European destinations. This development is seen as a vital step toward improving the Philippines’ accessibility to travelers from across Europe. With the launch of this route, there is optimism that more European cities will soon be linked directly to the Philippines, facilitating easier travel for tourists and bolstering the country’s position as a sought-after destination in Southeast Asia.
In 2023, France ranked as the 16th largest source of tourists to the Philippines based on the travelers’ country of residence, with 51,601 visitors arriving that year. This demonstrates the growing interest among French residents in exploring the Philippines. The country’s rich cultural heritage, pristine beaches, and natural attractions continue to attract travelers from Europe, and the resumption of direct flights is expected to further increase this number by making travel more convenient.
Additionally, France ranked as the 14th top source of tourists by nationality, with 61,311 French nationals visiting the Philippines in 2023. This highlights the strong connection between the two nations, with a steady flow of French tourists eager to experience what the Philippines has to offer. With the revival of direct air links, it is anticipated that these numbers will continue to grow as more French nationals take advantage of the improved accessibility to the archipelago.
The Philippine tourism sector remains optimistic about the potential for growth with this renewed connection to France. The direct flights not only strengthen tourism ties but also provide a foundation for broader economic and cultural exchanges between the two countries. As more Europeans discover the Philippines, the country stands to benefit from increased tourism revenue and enhanced global recognition as a premier travel destination in the region.
