DAVAO CITY – The twice weekly direct flights between here and Hong Kong of Clark-based Royal Air Philippines launched last October 8 will open more opportunities for this city.
Department of Tourism (DOT)-Davao Director Tanya Rabat Tan said the direct flight would improve travel connectivity as it offers a convenient and direct access between Davao and Hong Kong.
Tan said that it would strengthen not only local tourism but also the city’s position as a premier destination for meetings, incentive travel, conventions, and exhibitions (MICE) by bringing more visitors to Davao.
She added that Davao and Hong Kong offer “distinct tourism experiences and offerings” to potential tourists.
Royal Air’s 150-seat Airbus A319 aircraft services the route on Thursdays and Sundays, with an estimated travel time of three hours and 10 minutes.
According to DOT-Davao, the aircraft leaves Hong Kong for Davao International Airport at 11:55 a.m. while the flight back to Hong Kong departs from Davao Airport at 4:05 p.m.
Royal Air Philippines Chief Operating Officer Capt. Reynald Ramos said the airline is hoping to add more flights between Davao and Hong Kong to help Mindanaons get access to more international flights and reach out to overseas workers to bring them home in time for the holiday season.
"This air connectivity will allow Hong Kong travelers to explore the rich cultural heritage, natural wonders, eco-adventure pursuits, and warm hospitality of Davao, and immerse themselves in the beauty of our region's diversity," Rabat said.
Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific used to service the Davao-Hong Kong-Davao route five times weekly before international flights from here were suspended in early 2020 due to the pandemic.
Present international flights from Davao International Airport are Qatar Airlines’ Davao-Doha-Davao and Davao-Singapore-Davao being serviced by Singapore Airlines and its low-cost subsidiary Scoot.
Nicole Bian Ledesma, Davao Tourism Association president, said the new flight would “significantly open Davao to the world through Hong Kong, an important international hub.”
She urged tourism stakeholders “to heighten initiatives in exploring collaborations and partnerships with fellow Hong Kong tourism stakeholders to maximize this direct connectivity.”