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Jiangsu province in China and the Philippines have agreed to intensify their marketing efforts to accelerate the movement of tourists between the two sides.

"For 2009, we are optimistic that the growth of arrivals from China will be sustained.  We will intensify our marketing efforts and strengthen mutual cooperation," said Ms. Arlene Alipio, head of the Department of Tourism (DOT) Team China during a visit by a 30-person delegation from Jiangsu province in Manila this week.

Ms. Alipio said the Philippines will participate in the World Exposition in Shanghai in 2010, when the two countries will also commemorate 30 years of diplomatic relations.

Arrivals from China peaked at 157,000 in 2008 from just 107,456 in 2005, as the Tourism Department tried to take advantage of the rising purchasing power of Chinese travelers.  This made China the fourth leading source of foreign tourists in the Philippines, next to Korea, United States and Japan.

The Department of Tourism or DOT has launched kayaking as the latest attraction in the Philippines, to drive more tourists to the country, despite the global economic downturn.  Faced with the challenge of drawing at least 3 million tourists this year, the DOT has promoted new products such as bird watching, adventure tourism, and eco-tourism highlighting the natural wonders of the Philippines.

In the recent Philippine Travel Exchange 2009, kayaking adventure was introduced to major foreign buyers as an attraction in beaches, lagoons, rivers, lakes, springs, and fjords.  “In a country of 7,107 islands, one can only imagine the infinite possibilities of kayaking adventure.  Exploring the span of our clear waters surely opens travelers to the unique splendor of our country,” Tourism Secretary Ace Durano said in a statement.

A short video on kayaking in the Philippines was presented to top travel buyers from Asia and Europe, with delegates comprised of tour operators, travel agencies, retailers, corporate planners, alternative tours companies, and incentive travel firms.

“Kayaking allows tourists inside secret coves, inlets, channels that lead to stunning views of our mangrove forests, limestone cliffs, unspoiled coastlines and other exciting mysteries around our islands,” said Eduardo Jarque Jr., Tourism Undersecretary for Planning and Promotions.