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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.

Cebu Flowerpecker has recently received the Bird Life Species Champion award in the British Birdwatching Fair 2009 in Oakham, Rutland, United Kingdom.  Known as the ‘Woodstock of Birders,’ the British Birdwatching Fair is an exclusive event where all sectors in birdwatching and wildlife conservation from all over the world gather.

Presented by BirdLife International, the award was given to the Department of Tourism (DOT) which was also named as the Species Champion for the said endemic bird.  “This award seals our country’s status as a premier birdwatching site in the global birders’ community.  More importantly, it will draw further support for biodiversity awareness and wildlife preservation from our local sectors,” said Tourism Secretary Ace Durano.

The Cebu Flowerpecker has been rediscovered by renowned birder and zoologist Dr. Rob Timmins who saw it in 1992, 100 years after its last sighting.  The bird was found in the village of Tabunan, and small numbers can also be seen in Nug-As and Mount Lantoy, also in Cebu.  Presently, an estimated 100 birds of this specie may be living in the area.

Foreign travel agencies that attended the recently concluded Phitex Philippine Travel Exchange or Phitex 2009 have agreed to promote the Philippines as an ecotourism destination.

Xpert Holidays, a dynamic travel company from Hong Kong which provides personal & professional services to people who are looking for adventurous, exotic and unique holidays, said it will include the Philippines in the promotion of ecotourism to their segment. 

“The Hong Kong market is high on eco-travels, and we respond to this by offering one-of-a-kind tours.  We have found that the Philippines appealed to a wide range of clients,” said Chi Ping Phoebe Tang, assistant operations manager.

“The Philippines is a good place to start educating people on responsible travel; where one’s ‘save the earth’ advocacy can truly be nurtured,“ Tan added, citing El Nido, Palawan, as one of the most beautiful places she’s ever been to, and a destination widely popular with families in Hong Kong.

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.