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MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang on Sunday welcomed the increase in flights between the Philippines and Italy, saying it will benefit local tourism and overseas Filipino workers.
The successful talks between the two countries came months after the European Union lifted a ban on Philippine air carriers because of safety concerns.
Philippines and Italy would now have 14 flights per week as opposed to one flight per week, which has been the case since 1969.
Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte, in a statement released online, said the increase in flights is a boon to the 170,000 Filipinos working in Italy since they can now book direct flights which are cheaper.
Valte also said it will boost Philippine tourism as the country continues to experience an increase in the number of visitors.
The Civil Aeronautics Board said the increase in seat entitlements were agreed upon during bilateral talks in Rome last September 5 and 6.
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