Chinese Ambassador to Manila Huang Xilian on Sunday said there were 75,000 Chinese tourists in the Philippines in the first five months of 2023 as the Department of Tourism (DOT) aims to encourage two million by the end of this year.
In a Facebook post, Huang said he takes pride that “Chinese international tourism makes a strong comeback in Southeast Asia!,” citing the recent announcement of the Thai government that it received one million Chinese tourists from January to May 2023.
“Southeast Asia has been the Chinese people’s top tourist destination since reopening, and have delivered many immediate benefits in the industry and people-to-people exchanges,” the Chinese diplomat stressed.
“In the first five months, the Philippines received 75,000 Chinese tourists, reinvigorating many of the country’s world-class beaches and scenic landmarks,” Huang said.
Earlier, the DOT announced that it is targeting two million Chinese tourists when electronic visas (e-visas) become available by the end of the year.
The ambassador shared that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Chinese President Xi Jinping have agreed “to deepen people-to-people exchanges between our two countries in all respects” during a meeting earlier this year.
“It is hoped that China-Philippine people-to-people exchanges achieve the goals set by the leaders at an early date and even reach greater heights,” Huang said, in his Facebook post.
“Our countries have been working together in the tourism industry, among many other sectors, and I hope it strengthens our relations and lead to greater mutual benefits in the future!,” he said.