Author: BCDA
Posted: January 21, 2009 | Category: SCTEX
The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) rallies behind the holding of a five-day balloon festival scheduled next month at the Clark Freeport Zone in Angeles City, Pampanga.
“This project sits well with the continuing program of Clark Development Corp. (CDC) to vigorously push the Freeport’s transformation into a major investor and tourism haven in the Asia Pacific region,” BCDA president and CEO Narciso Abaya said.
“We fully support this Hot Air Balloon Festival. With at least 25 countries expected to participate in the affair, this will definitely put Clark in the world map of key tourism and recreation destinations,” Abaya said.
Meanwhile, preparations shifted to high gear in the sprawling staging area for what the CDC refers to as a “weekend of everything that flies.” The area features a huge hangar designated as the Clark Civil Aviation Complex which is visible from the main entrance and located right alongside the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport.
The CDC also expects the balloon and air show, set on Feb. 12 to 15, to draw some 100,000 visitors to Clark, adding that it would be much bigger and more spectacular compared to last year’s event which had only 19 balloons from 13 countries.
With the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) now in full operation, visitor arrivals are expected to surpass target levels. For one, the recent opening of the Clark North Interchange and the Panday Pira access road that leads directly to Clark’s business and aviation hub was viewed as a major factor in attracting a record number of spectators.
SCTEX and CDC officials promised much faster and easier access to Clark Freeport compared to previous years when motorists have to negotiate through heavy traffic in Dau and Angeles City after leaving the North Luzon Expressway.
Hotel, resort and restaurant operators within Clark Freeport also foresee full bookings during the five-day show, and advised prospective participants and visitors to make advance reservations.