MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines is the “most romantic destination†for Chinese paper Shanghai Morning Post, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced Monday.
The DFA said that the "Most Romantic Destination" award was given to the Philippines through the DFA's representative last January 15 at the Shanghai Peninsula Hotel.
The award was based on a consumer survey by the Shanghai Morning Post.
Philippine Consul General Charles Jose received the award from Liu Sha, the Chinese paper's Editor-in-Chief.
The DFA said that the other country-winners were: Australia as “The Best Tour Destination for Discovery;†Switzerland as “The Best Shopping Paradise;†Korea as “The Best Skiing Destination;†and Germany as “The Best Destination for Art Appreciation.â€
The Philippines has also been awarded "Best Tourist Destination" by another Chinese newspaper, the Oriental Morning Post, last January 9.
The DFA said that it is expecting more Chinese to fly to the Philippines for the upcoming week-long Chinese New Year holiday in February, which is also Valentine's Day month.
It said that several Philippine carriers have re-launched flight services from China to the Philippines because of the increasing demand of Chinese travelers for short-haul beach holidays.