NEWSFLASH

RP EXPLORES POTENTIAL OF CHINA TRAVEL MARKET

Manila, July 2, 2000 - The Department of Tourism (DOT) has allied with two other government agencies, in recognizing and accrediting tour operators which can handle groups from the People’s Republic of China, an enormous market. The DOT's allies are the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and Bureau of Immigration (BI).

According to statistics, PROC has 10 million outbound travelers. Of this figure, only two percent, which translates to 190,000 visit the Philippines.

Tourism Secretary Gemma Araneta said she sees "all the signs we can court this market, and with the concerted efforts of the triumvirate, we can improve the figures we have."

The memorandum of agreement (MOA) was recently inked by Araneta, Foreign Affairs Secretary Domingo Siazon Jr., and Immigration Commissioner Rufus Rodriguez in Malacaang.

As stipulated in the MOA, the triumvirate is tasked to coordinate to warrant the efficient, effective and expeditious implementation of a system to draw droves of tourists from the mainland, and to guarantee compliance of the conditions of their authorized stay in the country. The MOA will facilitate the travel of Chinese into the Philippines.

"China is so close to the Philippines, geographically and in terms of culture. Almost all Filipinos are of Chinese descent. There should not be any problem in air seats if the seat entitlement given to China and Hong Kong through bilateral air service agreements, plus the reciprocal seat entitlement to the designated Philippine carrier will all be utilized," said Araneta.

"Tourism infrastructure are now being pursued. As a conservative projection, arrivals may grow at the rate of 7.10 percent in the near terms," Araneta added.

The DFA's role includes promotion and protection of the interests of the Philippines abroad, including the direction and coordination of all activities. The Bureau of Immigration is in charge of administration and enforcement of the entry and admission of aliens into the Philippines. The primary responsibilities of the DOT are: the marketing aspect and tourism development of tourism, with backing from other government agencies and players from the private sector; guarantee the safety and convenience of tourists; and issuance and revocation of DOT accreditation to tour operators.

All the three government agencies shall see to it that the requirements, terms and conditions in granting accreditation are duly complied with and maintained by the concerned Philippine tour operator.

Also present during the MOA signing were executives from Ang’s Tour & Co; Happy Sun Travel & Tours, Philippine Travel Bureau, Macro Travel and Tours International, Rajah Tours, and China Travel Service; and different associations such as Cebu Tours and Travel Association, Philippine Association of Tourist Transport Operators, PHILTOA, International Air Transportation Association and the Manila-Japan Travel Agents. Hotelier Associations and the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA).