The Tourism Department has closed a deal with Chinese state-owned Guangxi Tourism Development Group Co. Ltd. to mount charter flights directly from Guangxi province to Davao, Cebu and Clark.
The deal signed in China during the “Belt and Road Forum” will add to the list of air carriers that directly serve 13 Chinese cities to and from Manila, Kalibo Cebu and Laoag.
“This undertaking will open up secondary gateways in the Philippines to the Chinese market and bring in additional tourists from mainland China,” said Tourism secretary Wanda Teo.
She said the deal was a “win-win” situation for the two parties as the department can identify the ideal destinations and packages for the Chinese groups, while the latter’s vast marketing network opens more opportunities for the Philippines
“We are excited about Guangxi’s commitment, as we tap its 55 million population of what is considered the Asian center of economy and finance,” Teo added.
Meanwhile, tour operator Sun Fair International, which has offices in Xiamen and Hong Kong, has already committed additional an 10,000 Chinese tourists from the cities of Shanghai, Xiamen, Chongqing, Chengdu, Hong Kong and Beijing starting this month.
Sun Fair International said the additional Chinese tourists comprised a diverse group of leisure travelers from divers and adventure seekers to rollers, businessmen, culinary travelers shoppers, and even employees on company paid tours.
The proposed local destinations include Manila, Palawan, Bohol, Cebu, Davao, Surigao, Subic, Negros Occidental.
