MANILA – The Department of Tourism (DOT) sees a significant boost in the Philippines’ leisure and business tourism with the establishment of Air Canada’s direct flight connecting Manila and Vancouver.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said that this new route will open new opportunities for tourism and business, providing easier access for Filipino-Canadians to visit their homeland while offering Canadians a chance to experience the Philippines’ vibrant culture and world-class hospitality.
The passengers of the maiden direct Vancouver to Manila flight arrived at the NAIA Terminal 3 Gate 116 on Thursday (April 3) at 6:04 AM, with the DOT preparing a festive welcome, including performances from local talents, as well as giving of leis and tokens. Gracing the ceremonial cake-cutting and ribbon-cutting event with Secretary Frasco are key officials, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon, Air Canada Managing Director Rocky Lo, and Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. David Hartman.
Anticipated to fly three times a week, the DOT’s Office of Market Development noted that the mounting of the direct operations between Vancouver and Manila will provide a total annual capacity of 57,216 seats, averaging 4,768 seats per month.
In her message during the welcome reception, Secretary Frasco highlighted the significant role that Canada plays as a source market for the Philippines.
“Canada, being home to nearly 1,000,000 people of Filipino descent, is one of the largest diasporas globally. And therefore, this inaugural Air Canada flight will further foster cultural connections between our countries and drive economic growth. Today’s inaugural flight represents more than just mere travel, for it symbolizes a powerful bridge connecting our countries closer than ever before. It provides Filipino-Canadians easier access to their homeland and, at the same time, presents Canadians with enormous opportunities to explore our country’s natural wonders, our rich biodiversity, our vibrant culture, and our proud heritage,” said Secretary Frasco.
According to DOT’s data, as of April 3, 2025, the Philippines has welcomed 1,682,531 visitors, including 91,671 from Canada. In 2024, Canada ranked sixth in tourist arrivals to the Philippines, with 269,300 visitors contributing 304.32 million USD to the local economy. This represents a 6.80% growth in arrivals from Canada compared to the previous year.
The introduction of Air Canada’s non-stop flights between Vancouver and Manila is expected to reduce travel time, cutting the previous 20-hour journey down to just 12–14 hours, making it even more convenient for both leisure and business travelers.
“The launch of this nonstop is to significantly boost leisure and business tourism, further contributing directly to our local economies and enhancing the livelihood of our communities,” Secretary Frasco added.
Noting that “The Philippines is one of the fast-growing markets,” Air Canada’s Managing Director, Rocky Lo, also expressed enthusiasm about the new route, “The flight has solidified Air Canada’s position as the North American airline, serving the most non-stop destinations in this region, supporting Canada’s Inter Pacific strategy,” Lo shared.
The new route between Manila and Vancouver is also a significant addition to Air Canada’s presence in the Asia-Pacific. Lo further shared that Filipino students represent the third-largest overseas student population in Canada, underscoring the importance of direct flights for both educational and cultural exchanges.
Meanwhile, Canada’s Ambassador to the Philippines David Hartman noted that among the inspiration for the new route are “new and economic reforms in the Philippines that will drive business opportunities.”
“Recognizing the importance of this route and investing in a service that meets the growing demand for travel between North America and the Philippines. This flight not only reflects the deep ties between our nations, but it will also open new opportunities for trade, tourism and overall people-to-people connections,” the Ambassador stressed.
Secretary Frasco extended a warm invitation to Canadians to explore the Philippines. “Congratulations once again to Air Canada on this very remarkable achievement. To all of our valued travelers, welcome to the Philippines. We invite you to discover the many reasons to love our beloved country and experience firsthand the unparalleled warmth and hospitality of the Filipino people,” she said.
Other distinguished guests present at the event included New NAIA Infrastructure Corporation (NNIC) Head for Commercial Leasing Cecile Ang, NNIC General Manager Angelito Alvarez, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Director General Raul del Rosario, Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) General Manager Eric Jose Ines, as well as DOT Undersecretary and Chief of Staff Shahlimar Hofer Tamano and Undersecretary Verna Buensuceso, along with DOT Assistant Secretaries, central and regional officials, among others. | by Department of Tourism
