The Philippine government reiterated its commitment to sustaining its route development efforts as Clark International Airport (CRK) bagged a 2024 Routes Asia award.

CRK was named as the Routes Asia 2024 winner under the 5 Million Passengers Category, recognizing its airport and destination marketing.

“Winning in the Under 5 Million Passengers category underscores the Marcos administration’s commitment to excellence in route development marketing,” Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, who also sits as the Civil Aeronautics Board vice chairperson, said Friday.

“This achievement reflects the dedication of the travel and air transport team and the resilience of CRK, showcasing its remarkable growth and positive impact on the aviation and tourism industries.”

The Department of Tourism has been proactive in working with the Department of Transportation and other stakeholders to further increase connectivity in the country.

Among the agency’s first directives under the Marcos administration was to lobby for the full maximization of the country’s regional gateways, including Clark.

“Receiving the Routes Asia Marketing Award is not just a triumph for Clark International Airport. It is also a testament to the collaborative efforts of the travel and tourism industry team and the unwavering support from the aviation community,” Frasco said.

In 2023, CRK handled nearly 2 million passengers, a 160 percent increase from the previous year.

Some of the local routes catered to by the airport are the country’s prime destinations – Palawan, Cebu, and Boracay. (PNA)