MANILA, Philippines—First quarter indicators are that tourist traffic in the country has risen, a sign the sector has not been seriously affected by the global recession, according to the Department of Tourism.

Tourism Secretary Ace Durano said data from airlines and other transport players indicated more foreign and local tourists were traveling to and around the Philippines.

“We are confident that despite the challenges, we can expect a big volume of arrivals this year, as indicated by initial reports from our partner stakeholders in the transport sector,” Durano said.

He said Cebu Pacific Air reported an increase of 28 percent in passenger volume to 1.98 million in the first quarter of the year from last year.

Philippine Airlines, on the other hand, has opened new local and overseas routes. The airline now flies to prime domestic tourist destinations like Boracay and Busuanga. PAL has also opened routes to Vancouver, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Europe’s premier cruise company, Costa Cruises, has announced the launch of a new ship that will include the Philippines on its route, Durano said.

Costa Cruises recently debuted the Costa Classica to double the number of its voyages in Asia.