12 April 2006 – Consul General Emelinda Lee-Pineda of the Philippine Consulate General in Xiamen reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that the People’s Republic of China has granted the Philippines “Approved Destination Status” (ADS), making it easier for Chinese tourists to travel to the Philippines.

With this favored status, Consul General Lee-Pineda stated that she met with travel and tour agents in Xiamen on 7 April 2006, and was assured by the tourist industry group that they would exert efforts to attract different types of visitors to the country by organizing special and diversified package tours.

The Consul General reported that the Consulate issues some 20,000 tourist visas a year, and these visitors stay mainly in Manila with their Chinese-Filipino relatives.  Given this fact, she suggested to the group to market the Philippines to Chinese women.

“Both adult and young Chinese women, particularly those who are employed or engaged in business, could be drawn to visit the Philippines to relax, shop for brand-name items or enjoy our beauty and spa treatments,” Consul General Lee-Pineda said.

She likewise pointed out that the country is also an ideal destination for company-sponsored trips for their employees.

The Consul General remarked that in addition to the ADS status of the Philippines, direct flights to and from Xiamen add to the country’s appeal as a favored destination.  END
 
 
 

/bjg