Domestic travel in Philippines hit hard as airfare prices soar,making it tough for locals to explore their own country. A recent viral moment underscored this when a flight from Manila to Batanes was tagged at 27,000 pesos (US$440). Enough to jet off to Taipei or Hanoi,hotel and meals included. Questions swirl about viability of boosting local tourism.
Department of Tourism jumped in Friday with a fresh campaign: “Discover More to Love.” This aims to lure Filipinos into traveling within their own borders,offering discounted hotel stays,airline tickets,travel packages. It's a sidekick to the government’s “Love the Philippines” initiative,which targets foreign visitors.
Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay,at launch event in Santa Rosa City,stressed campaign's goal to inspire Filipinos to dig deeper into their homeland. But domestic travel costs versus international options...huge roadblock.
As government pushes for more homegrown tourism,question lingers: how to make local trips tempting when abroad seems to offer more bang for buck…
