For the first time in two years, Palau visitor arrivals reached positive numbers with November arrivals reaching 35% over the same period last year, according to latest statistics from Palau Visitors Authority. November arrivals also exceeded last month’s arrival numbers by 25%.
Increases are seen across all markets with 15% in Japan market, 11% in Korean market, 21% in Taiwan market, 31% in Republic of China market, and 12% increase in USA/Canada market. European market saw 4% increase and others was up by 6%.
Increase in arrivals may be attributed to many factors but one certain factor is the number of airlines and flights added in the month November as compared to previous months.
In November, Korean Airlines resumed its flights after pulling out for service in July of this year. This resumption of service added more seats out of Korea to Palau. PAPA airline also resumed direct service from China to Palau after pulling out in September. China Airlines direct flights between Taiwan and Palau continues to be the top airline in term of number of passengers.
Other airlines that have applied to fly in the first quarter of next year include Skymark Airline from Japan, T-Way from Korea but to fly Japan- Palau route originating from Hiroshima and China Airline to fly Japan-Palau route as well. (L.N. Reklai)