CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga - Officials of this province are excited over the prospects of a sustainable uptrend in tourist arrivals at the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) here beginning this year, following Wednesday's maiden flights of Jin Air of South Korea. Governor Lilia Pineda said the Capitol is strengthening its tourism program and has enjoined mayors of the different municipalities and cities here to unite in perking up the tourism industry. No less than former President now Pampanga 2nd District Representative Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is at the forefront of efforts to push provincial tourism officers and local government officials in planning how to enhance this province's tourism industry. Jin Air started its regular flights, plying the Incheon-Clark-Incheon route five times a week utilizing the airlines' 180-searter Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
Jin Air is the sixth and latest addition to the international airlines operating at the DMIA and is the second South Korean commercial airline after Asiana Airlines that started operations in October 2003. In a meeting with Jin Air management, Pineda and Arroyo welcomed South Korea's budget air carrier and the prospect of hosting more Korean tourists in Pampanga. Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) Chairman Nestor Mangio, who joined the meeting, said he hopes the entry of Jin Air will help spur the development and upkeep of tourist spots in the province. Arroyo told stakeholders at the meeting, including provincial tourism officers, mayors led by Pampanga Mayor's League President Jerry Pelayo of Candaba, and CIAC President and CEO Victor Luciano, to work together and improve the tourism in the province.
