The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) emerged as the grand prize recipient at the Routes Asia 2024 Awards, securing top honors in both the Overall and Destination categories.
At the prestigious event, which acknowledges outstanding achievements in airport and destination marketing, JNTO was among five celebrated winners. The ceremony took place at Routes Asia 2024 in Langkawi, Malaysia, and saw accolades also going to Clark International Airport, Perth Airport, Melbourne Airport, and Cebu Pacific.
JNTO’s Director, Akira Watabe, expressed his delight over the accolade, highlighting Japan’s aviation accomplishments through shared flight strategies, innovative incentives, and cooperative marketing efforts. He noted the significant increase in bookings and passenger numbers, attributing this success to forward-thinking initiatives that promise a robust future.
The organization’s approach to market development includes promoting tourism to Japan’s regional locales. By partnering with airlines and travel agencies, including digital platforms, JNTO launches targeted campaigns aimed at markets like Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Thailand, recognizing their potential for regional tourism and repeat visits.
Clark International Airport in the Philippines clinched the award in the Under 5 Million Passengers category, with a notable 160% passenger increase in 2023, reaching nearly 2 million travelers. The airport welcomed five new airlines and introduced 13 new routes, enhancing its international connectivity.
Noel F. Manankil, President and CEO of Clark International Airport, expressed gratitude for the recognition, attributing it to the collective effort of the airport’s dedicated team and emphasizing the commitment to innovation and superior service.
Perth Airport in Australia was victorious in the 5-20 Million Passengers category, maintaining its title from the previous year. The airport saw a record-breaking 15.3 million passengers in 2023, supported by new routes and a strong recovery post-pandemic.
Melbourne Airport was awarded in the Over 20 Million Passengers category, having welcomed six new airlines and reestablished services to over 26 destinations. It stands out for its collaborative airline partnerships and customer-focused strategies.
Cebu Pacific, a Philippine low-cost carrier, received the Airline category award. The airline is noted for its strategic collaborations and plans to double its fleet by 2035, demonstrating its commitment to expanding service offerings and enhancing connectivity.
The awards were determined by a panel of airline judges for the Airport and Destination categories and an editorial panel for the Airline category, reflecting the industry’s recognition of exemplary marketing efforts and strategic growth initiatives.
The full list of winners:
Overall Winner
Japan National Tourism Organization
Under 5 Million Passengers
Clark International Airport
5-20 Million Passengers
Perth Airport
Over 20 Million Passengers
Melbourne Airport
Destination
Japan National Tourism Organization
Airline
Cebu Pacific
