City official upbeat on Davao-Japan direct flight

DAVAO CITY – Davao City Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre is looking forward to the realization of the Davao-Japan direct flight, which has also gained the support of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII).

Alejandre, chairperson of the City Council Committee on Tourism, on Tuesday, disclosed the City Council resolution calling for the establishment of the Davao-Japan direct international flight was approved last week.

Alejandre said the resolution supported the petition of the local business sector, associations and local tourism stakeholders that called for the establishment of the Davao-Japan direct international flight.

The direct route, Alejandre said, would further boost Davao City’s tourism industry, citing the good relations between Davao and Japan that dates back in the early part of the 19th century when Japanese migrants started to settle in the city.

The proposed Davao-Japan direct route is a joint initiative of the DCCCII and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce. Both business Chambers are targeting the month of August in time for the Kadayawan Festival.

Earlier, DCCCII president Arturo Milan voiced optimism that the Davao-Japan direct flight will take off given the strong support of the Japanese business sector.

Though it remains unclear which city in Japan would Davao have a direct flight with, the local business sector is already eyeing Tokyo and Narita.

The DCCCII is also eyeing a “complete package” to attract Japanese tourists not only for Davao City, but also other destination sites like Mati City in Davao Oriental and the Surigao provinces.

Alex Divinagracia, Davao Travel Agencies Association (DTAA) president, said he is looking at the revival of the Japanese pilgrimage every August in time for the Obon Festival. Since most of those joining the pilgrimage are in their senior years, he said a direct flight would be of big help. (Lilian C. Mellejor/PNA)