UNITED Kingdom-based United Business Media (UBM), organizer of Routes Asia, the largest and biggest aviation event in Asia, said the threat of terrorism will not affect, in any way, the rapid growth of international travel.
UBM Principal Advisor for Hosting and Project Management Andrew Rowe said potential acts of terrorism are part of the challenges that airlines and airports are dealing with.
“Governments and regulatory bodies are working hand-in-hand. The local authorities or the airports review specific concerns. I am sure that behind the scenes, they are working across the whole piece,” Rowe said.
Rowe added that terrorist acts, if in the remotest likelihood they happen, will have short-term impact on the destination. He said tourist traffic is growing and that international travel will remain robust long term.
Rowe cited an International Air Transport Association study, which projected that by 2034, half of the 2.90 billion travelers will be going to Asia. He also said the Asia-Pacific travel and tourism market is now valued at $500 billion and has been growing over the past 20 years.
“The region is important to the continued growth of the aviation industry. We want to bring new routes to the region,” Rowe said.
He added that Routes Asia, which will open on Sunday at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, will bring under one roof 1,000 delegates from more than 100 airlines, while also being participated by 200 airports from 50 countries.
For his part, Tourism Undersecretary Arturo P. Boncato Jr. agreed with Rowe that airlines and airports are prepared in handling the threat of terrorism.
“It is integral in running the airports. There is a network of sharing intelligence. There is preparedness among cabin attendants and pilots. It is included in programs of airlines,” Boncato said.
He added that airports and airlines are trained to reach certain standards in their operations and they are prepared not just for terrorist threats but also on the possible entries of illnesses and diseases.
“There are no red flags. It is much safer to ride in an airplane than riding in a car,” Boncato said.
Boncato said it is a major coup for the Philippines to be hosting Routes Asia this year because the country is a destination that can only be reached by a lot of markets by air.
“We are a multigateway destination. We want to continue the momentum and connect the rest of the world,” Boncato said.
According to Boncato, air seats have increased from only 9 million in 2009 to 13 million last year.
The decision to hand the hosting of the 14th installment of the annual event to the Philippines was based on the ongoing aviation support infrastructure connecting the event venue and the three terminals of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, along with the massive development of accommodation facilities in the area.
Image credits: Rodel Alzona