The Department of Tourism (DOT) is leaning on aviation expertise to help drive the next phase of tourism growth, appointing former airline executive Stanley Ng as undersecretary tasked with expanding the Philippines’ international air connectivity.
Ng’s appointment signals a more aggressive approach to route development as the government seeks to translate rising travel demand into additional flights, new gateways, and higher tourist arrivals.
Rather than simply maintaining existing services, the DOT is moving to actively pursue new international routes that can unlock growth in key tourism destinations. Ng will lead efforts to align route development with market demand, working closely with airlines, airport operators, the Department of Transportation, and other industry stakeholders.
The move comes as competition for international air services intensifies across Southeast Asia, with countries racing to attract airlines and capture a larger share of post-pandemic travel demand.
For the Philippines, improving connectivity remains one of the most critical factors in boosting visitor arrivals and dispersing tourism benefits beyond major urban centers.
Under the DOT’s enhanced connectivity framework, regular coordination among airlines, airports, and government agencies will be institutionalized to identify bottlenecks, accelerate approvals, and convert route proposals into actual flight operations.
Among the priority markets is Northeast Asia, one of the Philippines’ largest sources of foreign visitors. The DOT is pursuing stronger connectivity between Japan and Bohol while exploring opportunities for additional services from major carriers.
Efforts are also underway to expand charter flights from China’s interior provinces to popular beach destinations and strengthen links with Taiwan, including previously identified routes connecting Kaohsiung and Lawaan as well as Taipei and Caticlan.
Ng’s aviation background is expected to bring greater technical focus to negotiations with carriers and route planning initiatives, areas increasingly viewed as essential to tourism competitiveness.
The appointment reflects a growing recognition that tourism growth is closely tied to air access. No matter how attractive a destination may be, visitors cannot arrive without sufficient flights.
By placing an airline industry veteran at the center of route development efforts, the DOT is signaling that connectivity is no longer just a transportation issue—it is a core tourism strategy aimed at generating arrivals, investments, and economic activity across the country.
