Visitors from the Philippines will now have even more opportunity to work, study and play in Western Australia with new direct flights between Manila and Perth beginning early next year.
Launching on March 30, 2020, the new direct flights are the result of a partnership between Philippine Airlines, Perth Airport and the State Government, through Tourism Western Australia.
Philippine Airlines will operate four flights a week on an Airbus A321, which has 12 business class seats and 156 economy seats, departing Manila at 12.05am and arriving in Perth at 7.20am. The flight will then leave Perth at 8.40am and land in Manila at 3.50pm.
According to the latest International Visitor Survey, the number of visitors from the Philippines travelling to WA grew by 34.7 per cent in the year ending June 2019.
In that same period, 42 per cent of visitor arrivals to WA from the Philippines were visiting friends and relatives, while 10 per cent visited for business, 17 per cent for a holiday, and four per cent for education purposes.
Tickets are expected to go on sale in December 2019.
As stated by Tourism Minister Paul Papalia:
“The Philippines is a growing visitor market for Western Australia, with the latest visitor statistics showing more than 40 per cent growth in visitors from this market.
“These direct Philippine Airlines flights will provide an easier option for Filipinos to visit WA, whether it be to work, study, visit friends and relatives or have a holiday.
“International education is important for the tourism industry because each international student attracts 1.5 visiting friends and relatives from overseas annually. The flights have the potential to increase the attraction of WA as a study destination for Filipino students.
“These students will not only help boost the local economy and create jobs, they also add to the social and cultural vibrancy of the Western Australian community.
“Direct flights such as this help to position WA as Australia’s western gateway, whereby visitors can start their Australian adventure in Perth and go on to explore our many wonderful regions.”
