Initiatives underway to have direct flights from Bangladesh to Manila

Initiatives are now being taken to have direct flights from Dhaka (Bangladesh) to Manila to boost tourism in the Philippines, the Department of Foreign Affairs said. Bangladesh Minister of Civil Aviation and Tourism Ghulam Muhammed Qader disclosed this at a recently concluded tourism fair in Dhaka. "Responding to the remarks of (Philippine Ambassador Bahnarim Guinomla) on the need for enhanced connectivity, (Qader said) initiatives are being taken by quarters concerned for a foreign airline servicing Dhaka to extend its operation to the Philippines on a direct flight basis," the DFA said. During the tourist fair, Guinomla had announced the Aquino administration's efforts to further promote tourism in the country by liberalizing the aviation sector and developing tourism infrastructure. The Philippine officials managed to mount a successful exhibit at the recent Asian Tourism Fair 2011 at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center in Dhaka. The Philippine Embassy there said the Filipino community pitched in to help attract visitors during the fair, which ran from September 29 to October 1. "Although it lacked resources, the Embassy mobilized members of the Filipino community to successfully stage the Philippine Cultural Night held on the final day of the fair," the DFA said. Over 100 stalls displayed tourism-related services and products during the tourism fair. Guinomla said the Philippine booth received over 3,000 inquiries, an accomplishment lauded by tourism officials and travel and tour operators. Akmal Mustafa Tipu, business consultant of the fair, said the Philippine contribution "was very significant and helped in achieving our goal with unquestionable success." The Embassy also convinced fair organizers to let it use one stall for free to distribute tourism materials and show films, video clips and footage of tourist destinations in the Philippines. On the final day of the three-day fair, the Embassy presented a Philippine cultural show featuring songs and dances that drew a standing-room only (SRO) crowd at the Center. Qader, who was present during the show, praised the Filipino performers for their wonderful presentation. Guinomla also invited the guests to visit the Philippines to experience for themselves the warm hospitality of the Filipino people. He also distributed certificates of appreciation to the Filipino cultural performers. — LBG, GMA News