IT'S ALL systems go for the World Routes 2013 at the Las Vegas Convention Center where airlines and airports top executives will summit on October 5 to 8 to explore avenues for development in the aviation industry.
The last time I was in the desert oasis, I got drunk outside the Nellis Air Force Base with old friend Robert "Figmo" Quito, former photographer of the Philippine Star. Well, as they say ‘When in Rome, do what the Romans do’ and so I indulged in the excesses of capitalism. Whatever happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.
The World Routes 2013 will have four key elements: the World Routes Strategy Summit, the World Routes Tourism Summit, Invest and Manage, and Routes Talks. In association with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and Oman Airports Management Company will sponsor the Routes Strategy Summit on Oct. 6 and 7; Brand USA will sponsor the World Routes Tourism Summit; while Invest and Manage and Routes Talks will be held at the Routes Networking Village.
The World Routes 2013 will allow the Clark International Airport Corporation, operating arm of the Clark International Airport, to expand its airline network including airport developers and suppliers. For its phenomenal performance in 2012, the Clark airport won the ‘Routes Asia 2013 Airport Marketing Awards’ (For Airports with Under 20 Million Passengers Category) edging out six other international airports in Asia during the three-day 2013 Routes Airport Marketing Awards held in Mumbai, India.
In the same event in India, the Philippine Department of Tourism (DoT) also received the Highly Commended—Destination Marketing Award narrowly missing top honors in this category pulled off by Tourism Australia.
CIAC President and CEO Victor Jose I. Luciano said: "The real winner here is not only Clark Airport nor the Department of Tourism but the entire aviation and tourism industry in the country. Slowly but surely, we are putting the Philippines back on the global stage and the major players in these industries are taking notice and positive interest in our country.”
“Also, what we have shown here is that under the good governance thrust of President Aquino, the Philippines can at last be at par with our more developed and prosperous neighbours in the region."
The "Routes Airport Marketing Awards recognize and reward the highest standards of marketing activities undertaken by airports," according to UBM Aviation Routes. Changi International Airport in Singapore won the award for the Over 20 Million Passengers category.