Philippines to attract Chinese tourists to Boracay with promotions, direct flights

BORACAY ISLAND, Philippines (Xinhua) - The Philippines' promotion of its famous resort Boracay is in full swing in China this year as the country expects new direct flights to bring more Chinese tourists to the island, an official said here today.

"We are now doing aggressive promotions in China as travel operators there are ready to bring more Chinese tourists in Boracay. We would like to maximize this opportunity," Helen Catalbas, regional director of the Department of Tourism (DoT) Western Visayas, told Xinhua.

Beginning April 27, Cebu Pacific flights will bring Chinese tourists from China's western city of Chengdu to Kalibo International Airport(KIA). Another flight coming from Chongquing is scheduled to arrive at KIA on April 30.

Tourists from both Chengdu and Chongquing will then be regularly coming to Boracay at least once every five days.

On April 29, tourists coming from China's southeast Hangzhou will arrive to Kalibo via SEAIR. Nanjing tourists will also arrived on May 1.

Meanwhile, the DoT is also expecting regular flights from other major Chinese cities, including Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, Catalbas said.