China cites Philippines as top tourist location

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CHINA has cited the Philippines as one of the top 10 rising travel destinations and a top place for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions, an official said yesterday.

China made the citation on Nov. 16 during its International Travel Mart, according to Arlene Alipio, head of the tourism department’s China team.

She said her team was targeting China in a big way because 30 percent of its one billion population were outbound travelers.

“Imagine getting just 1 percent of that 30 percent,” she said.

One percent of 30 percent of one billion is three million—the tourism department’s target for foreign visitors this year.

The number of Chinese tourists visiting the Philippines reached only 32,000 two years ago but rose to 100,000 in 2005. The department estimates that the Philippines will attract 152,000 Chinese this year.

Alipio said China and Taiwan usually vied for fourth place among the top visitors here by nationality after the United States, Korea and Japan.

“And Although the China market is price-sensitive, they’re starting to travel,” she said.

“The Chinese tourists love shopping in malls, so we should take advantage of that opportunity.” Macon Ramos Araneta

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