DoT Sees Hope in ChineseTourist Market: Eyes More Flights, Liberal Visa Policies

The Department of Tourism (DOT) is seeing a gradual increase in the number of Chinese tourists visiting the Philippines as more airlines are set to provide more direct flights connecting the two countries this year.

In a courtesy meeting with Ambassador of China to the Philippines H.E. Jing Quan on Tuesday (Apr. 7), DOT Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Secretary Verna Buensuceso attributed this development to the recently introduced visa-free policy for Chinese nationals entering the country via Manila and Cebu for tourism and business purposes.

The meeting centered on discussions about sustaining this demand by expanding the gateways covered by the visa-free program and improving air capacity through newly-launched and forthcoming flights from China (Quangzhou and Chonqing) to key Philippine destinations like Cebu, Manila, and Boracay.

Further, OIC-Secretary Buensuceso also highlighted the growing number of cruise calls expected to bring thousands of Chinese tourists all over the country.

The liberalized visa system was a key factor in boosting Chinese arrivals and people-to-people exchange until its brief halt in 2023, as it made entry processes more convenient and hassle-free for prospective tourists.

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