Phl expects 2 M Chinese tourists this year

MANILA, Philippines - The government expects at least two million Chinese tourists this year as the country hosts the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit. 

Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo and her Chinese counterpart have been in constant talks to achieve the target number of tourists, Assistant Secretary Frederick Alegre said over the weekend.

Alegre said they are working to enhance the air connection between the Philippines and China, which means opening more direct flights to and from both countries. 

The Department of Tourism also targets to open more flights from China to Cebu, Clark Pampanga, Davao and Cagayan de Oro, Alegre said.

He said the Philippines and China are discussing matters on easing visa requirements upon arrival at the airport, investments or infrastructure projects. 

Officials from both countries have prepared a series of activities promoting renewed tourism cooperation as part of the ASEAN-China Year of Tourism Cooperation.

Teo and China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) chairman Li Jinzao agreed to hold marketing and communications campaigns, familiarization trips for media and tour operators, tourism-related workshops and capacity building sessions for travel professionals as well as official visits by tourism heads and joint travel fairs.

Teo and Jinzao recently met in Makati and Manila.