Philippines sees China as a stable tourism market

25 January, 2019

Philippines' Department of Tourism director Shahlimar Tamano believes China is a stable tourism market, adding that "China as a tourism market for the Philippines actually came in late" (Sun Star, 23-Jan-2019). He said neighbouring countries such as Thailand "have long been enjoying their big volume of arrivals but we are happy we are already starting to attract them". However, he called for more sustainable investment, stating China and the Philippines need to boost their marketing initiatives. Visitors from China to the Philippines increased 34.9% year-on-year to 972,550 in the first nine months of 2018, making it the Philippines' second largest source market.