“See You Leyte” promo offers ₱516 one-way flights to and from Tacloban
Last March, The Outbox Company—a Vietnam-based travel intelligence outfit—revealed that while most Southeast Asian countries experienced double-digit year-on-year growth of tourists, the Philippines trailed behind at only 9.2% growth from the influx of tourists between 2023 and 2024.
Still, the Philippines remains a veritable tourist spot for travelers, especially for local tourists.
For peso-crunching Pinoys who have yet to see the beauty of the country, one destination that shines brighter than the others is Eastern Visayas, in particular: Leyte province.
SEE YOU LEYTE
Budget-conscious travelers can now seize the opportunity to explore Leyte’s breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage with AirAsia’s eye-catching “See You Leyte” promo.
For as little as ₱516 one-way, thrill seekers can fly directly to and from Tacloban.
Leyte Governor Jericho Petilla boasted that there’s more to discover in the island for those who are willing to look beyond the usual travel destinations in the province.
“Leyte is a destination. Not so many people know it, but it is a destination. We have many other destinations aside from Kalanggaman, and we want them to be as visible as Kalanggaman. And we want to thank AirAsia. It is our intent to make ourselves visible to tourists so that there will be increased flights later by AirAsia,” Petilla said.
LEYTE & AIR ASIA
In the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda (International name: Haiyan) that ravaged Leyte province, Air Asia Philippines immediately offered a helping hand and offered 250,000 seats for free to travelers in need.
“Leyte holds a special place in the heart of AirAsia. Our partnership stood the test of time, especially during the onslaught of Typhoon Yolanda and the rebuilding efforts that ensued after. And the commitment of ensuring affordable fares for the Eastern Visayas region has never waned,” said AirAsia Philippines President and CEO Suresh Bangah.
Additionally, the airline’s foundation raised more than P100 million to help rebuild homes in Tacloban, one of the cities hit hardest by Yolanda.
“Hindi namin malilimutan nung panahon ng Yolanda kung paano kami tinulungan ng AirAsia. They were the first airline to offer seats. Imagine, they sent two aircraft to help our humanitarian mission. It allowed us to ferry people out of Tacloban so they can also find work in Manila and feed their families while rebuilding is underway,” shared Leyte Tourism Consultant Anne Petilla.
Of late, with the San Juanico Bridge undergoing repairs—affecting both tourism and land travel to Leyte—air travel becomes a necessity for people going to and from the province.
Another restriction that may affect travel in Leyte is the construction of the new Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport, which will serve as the main gateway for air travelers flying in the island.
While the P1.5 billion project is expected to partially operate next year, Petilla hopes travel promos like Air Asia’s “See You Leyte” promo can attract early birds before the potential surge in flights next year.
“We may not have the ideal tourist destinations that we have right now, but by the time we finish our plans, which airline will we partner with when we’re actually ready? And right now, I will tell you that it is only AirAsia, I consider as a partner,” Petilla said.
WORLD’S BEST LOW-COST AIRLINE
Steve Dailisan, Head of Communications and Corporate Affairs of AirAsia Philippines, said that the completion of the new terminal and the airport will result in an increase in air traffic boosting the Air Asia #SeeYouLeyte campaign.
AirAsia was recently awarded as the world’s best low-cost airline at Skytrax for the 16th consecutive year. The special fare promotion to Leyte is the 11th major seat sale launched by the airline in early 2025.
With its “Now Everyone Can Fly” philosophy, AirAsia continues to make air travel accessible throughout the Philippines and the ASEAN region.
