THE Philippine and Chinese governments are committed to bringing back pre-pandemic levels of tourist arrivals and resuming direct flights, especially between Manila and Beijing.
The commitment came following the signing of the Implementation Program (IP) of the Memorandum of Understanding on Tourism Cooperation for 2023 to 2028 between the Department of Tourism and the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) on Wednesday, Jan. 4.
“We are grateful for China’s commitment and interest in partnering with the Philippines as we usher in this new era of tourism focused on building the industry into a stronger, more sustainable, and more resilient economic pillar for the country’s transformation into a tourism powerhouse in Asia,” Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said.
The implementation program with China is expected to generate massive employment opportunities and investments across all sectors of tourism.
“Our governments will work together on increasing tourist arrivals, resuming and adding direct flights to key and emerging destinations, joint promotional activities, and inviting tourism investments in infrastructure, among others,” Frasco added.
Under the agreement, both countries will encourage and support the exchange of their respective administrators and tourism professionals to strengthen the mutual development in the field of hotels, resorts, cruise, port, tourism products and other related industries and competency standards.
It also covers cooperation on tourism safety where both parties will make joint measures to guarantee the rights, interests and safety of tourists visiting each other’s country.
Local tour operators and travel agencies will also take part in the IP by jointly advertising both countries’ tourist offerings through promotional materials. (PNA)/PN
