MANILA, Philippines - The biggest group of travel agencies and operators in the Philippines welcomes the adoption of ASEAN open skies because there is no unilateral surrender of the country’s air rights.

Robert Lim Joseph, chairman emeritus of the National Association of Independent Travel Agencies (NAITAS), said the ASEAN open skies agreement provides for reciprocal rights and is fair and equitable.

However, vigilance must be exercised at all times so that the agreement is implemented strictly only within the region and is not circumvented and abused, Joseph stressed.

"We must be very careful with the interpretation of the agreement," said Joseph, considered the foremost advocate of fair skies in the industry.

He said that this is because some ASEAN companies remain interested in using the open skies agreement in flying to destinations beyond or outside the region.

He said that if implemented right, the agreement could boost regional travel and tourism business and help the industry get out of the worldwide recession faster as it strengthens regional economic ties, he added.