The Department of Tourism-Region VI (DOT-6) is presently promoting the Western Visayas as the next holiday destination for Chinese tourists, with DOT-6 director, Atty. Helen J. Catalbas, reiterating the regional office’s target of 1.5 million tourist arrivals from China.

She noted, around 300,000 Chinese tourists are expected to “contribute” to the Western Visayas.

The department is also preparing Mandarin-speaking tour guides to facilitate their visit.

Meanwhile, DOT is also negotiating with airline companies to open direct flights between China and destinations in the Western Visayas.

DOT-6 discussed their China targets earlier this year, noting at the time, the Western Visayas had already seen a nearly 30 percent increase in arrivals from China this year.

Then-DOT Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo credited the increase to warming relations between the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte and the Chinese government./DGB, WDJ