There will be no more layovers for tourists coming from the Philippines going to France as there will be direct flights between Manila and Paris soon.
French Ambassador in Manila Marie Fontanel made the announcement on Tuesday, Sept. 10, as she said the move is aimed at boosting tourism exchanges not only between the Philippines and France but also between the Philippines and the European Union.
"This is a question we could not answer last week when we had this signature ceremony. It was on the way, but now, officially, today, it's possible to confirm [the direct flights between the two countries]," Fontanel said in a press briefing.
This is the first non-stop flight between the two countries since 20 years ago, and the first direct flight between the Philippines and Europe under the administration of President Marcos.
Air France KLM will operate the flights. According to its general manager for Southeast Asia, Femke Kroese, direct flights will operate on the evening of Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.
It is going to be a 14-hour flight that will arrive in Paris early in the morning, so tourists may be able to enjoy the Parisian life for the whole day since their arrival.
Kroese said return fares will start at around 1,258 US dollars. Promotional fares will be offered from time to time, she also said.
Champagnes will be served onboard both for business and economy class passengers, Kroese added.
"Everybody can enjoy already a glass of champagne... So it's really the way to celebrate, so you can arrive in Paris in style," Kroese said.
Kroese said that the Philippine market had always been on their "radar" as it is growing rapidly. She also expressed confidence that Filipinos and other tourists in the Philippines will have good reception of the direct flight considering that Paris is the second most visited European city for Filipinos.
Both Kroese and Fontanel are also positive that there will be good reception for the French people.
"The framework is that the relationship between France and the Philippines is growing, and we intend to put the bilateral relationship on a more political and strategic level," Fontanel said.
"So it goes also with the fact that both President Marcos and President [Emmanuel] Macron decided really to intensify and strengthen our ties on the tourism sector," she added, "[So], yes, definitely, there would be an interest for from my compatriots, towards your country, which is so beautiful and so much to visit."
Fontanel said that Filipino tourists must plan "ahead" so they would not face any hardship when obtaining a French visa.
Meanwhile, Transportation Secretary Jaime assured the public that the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is ready to accommodate passengers should there be an influx of tourists going to France.
"NAIA is always ready to accept these passengers," he said.
"[So there will be] no worries getting some issues or problems for the passengers of this non-stop flight from Paris to Manila," he added.