On 2 July 2017, Chinese Media Delegation participating in the third Chinese Media Reporting Trip to ASEAN organized by ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) met with Mr. Modesto Baloloy, Chief Tourism Operation Officer of Department of Tourism of the Philippines for Region One during the delegation’s field trip in Laoag in Northern Philippines.

Chief Officer Modesto on behalf of his office warmly welcomed the delegation to Laoag and outlined the development of local tourism industry and the tourism cooperation with Chinese provinces and cities. He stated that Northern Philippines is geographically close to Chinese provinces and cities, thus convenience in travel. The pleasant tropical maritime climate and beautiful natural landscape have attracted an increasing number of Chinese tourists. China Eastern Airline has already operated chartered flights between Laoag and Guangzhou. The Philippines is discussing with Qingdao of Shandong province on tourism cooperation and looks forward to programmes for training Chinese-speaking tour guides. He expected the delegation could well-publicize the unique local tourism resources to the Chinese public.

H.E. Mme. Yang Xiuping, Secretary-General of ACC appreciated the convenience and assistance the Chief Officer Modesto’s office offered to the delegation. She mentioned that this is the first visit to Northern Philippines for all the journalists in the delegation. Laoag city left them a deep impression. ACC would continue to serve as a bridge and bond to support and facilitate local exchanges between China and the Philippines and other ASEAN countries and to push forward practical cooperation in tourism, culture, education and other fields in order to bring benefits to both peoples.

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