JP Cabalza, president of the Philippine Travel Agencies Association, welcomed the news of the US Federal Aviation Administration's upgrade of Philippine aviation safety to Category 1. "We're looking at the US as one potent factor in terms of bringing in more tourists to the Philippines... For us travel agents, it's a welcome development in creating more packaged tours, both inbound and outbound travel. It will benefit both angles," he said. To prepare for the influx of tourists, Cabalza said the government should also push forward with plans to augment airport capabilities in the country. Also, more flights between the US and the Philippines may lead to lower airfares. "If there are more flights being offered, it's more conducive for the riding public. Price-wise, there will be more seats offered. So prices might really go down," Cabalza said. ANC Dateline Philippines, April 10, 2014