Teo: Ph can exceed 7M foreign tourists target
TOURISM Secretary Wanda Teo expressed her confidence that the country can exceed its seven million target for international tourist arrivals this year as foreign countries gain more interest in the Philippines.
Teo, in a recent interview with Sun.Star Davao, said the Department of Tourism (DOT) would be able to surpass its target for foreign tourist arrivals as the country is gaining global attention.
"I think we could hit the target," Teo said.
With President Rodrigo R. Duterte strengthening bilateral and economic ties with other countries like China has significantly led to the support of the East Asian power house as Chinese ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua promised an influx of Chinese tourists in the country.
"The Chinese Ambassador promised me one million," she said, adding that from Chinese tourists alone, the target will most likely be attained.
It can be recalled that Chinese President Xi Jinping lifted in October 2016 their travel advisory against traveling to the Philippines because of security concerns.
The Philippines, according to Teo has exhibited an excellent growth in the previous year, making it as one of the most preferred travel destinations after it has attained its target of six million in 2016.
On top of this, the country's hosting of international events such as the Miss Universe and Association of Southeast Asian Nation (Asean) chairmanship has drawn a large number of foreign visitors, leading to the country's vibrant tourism industry. JCR