Philippines intensifies tourism relations with China

The Department of Tourism (DOT) remains optimistic in the continued tourism growth between the Philippines and China.

The Jiangsu Tourism Bureau recently organized a tourism propagation and promotional drive to further consolidate the traditional customer source markets from the Philippines. The series of promotional activities highlighted the sightseeing activities in Jiangsu province in line with the World Expo in Shanghai next year.

Tourism Secretary Ace Durano said, “China remains a top source market for tourism, and working with travel trade, the airlines, and media in this segment has allowed for the success of the industry, despite the worldwide scenario.”

“The country’s tourism relations with China continue to be vibrant, with Chinese travelers proving resilient to the present global challenges. Indeed, we are on the right track in tapping this market segment, keeping in mind their solid economic capacity.”

China has continued to post growth in terms of tourism arrivals to the country, and the Philippines also showing an upsurge in inbound tourists to China.

According to Eduardo Jarque, Jr., Undersecretary for Tourism Planning and Promotions, “Our country’s natural beauty and heritage sites captivate the Chinese market. With more accessibility because of direct and chartered flights, we can see increased tourism activity in the coming years.”

Dai Hongyu, Assistant Director General of the Marketing and Promotion Division of Jiangsu Provincial Tourism Bureau said, “The Philippines has tremendous potential, and Jiangsu thinks a great deal of this market. This conference is envisioned to further strengthen cooperation and friendship, and reach broader consensus in promoting tourism destinations.”

He added, “There are a lot of positive and beneficial conditions for the tourism cooperation between Jiangsu province and the Philippines. Both have greatly different and distinct destinations, and complement each other strongly economically.”

DOT Marketing Head for Team China Arlene Alipio said, “We have remained optimistic that tourism growth in terms of arrivals in the midst of the challenges. The Philippines has gained its position as a destination for nature, relaxation, and value-for-money vacations, which set us apart from other locations.”

Alipio said further, “Next year will indeed be an exciting year, in time for the World Shanghai Expo 2010, and in celebration of 30 years of friendship between China and the Philippines.”