From 15 to 17 August 2023, the ASEAN- China Centre (ACC) successfully co-organized the Chinese Language Training and Capacity Building Workshop of ASEAN (the Philippines) in collaboration with the Embassy of the Philippines in China and the Department of Tourism of the Philippines (DoT). H.E. Secretary General Shi Zhongjun of the ACC, H.E. Ambassador Jamie A. FlorCruz of the Philippines to China, and Tourism Counsellor Dr. Erwin Balane of DoT in Beijing attended and addressed the opening session. The online workshop brought together over 200 participants from the DoT, the Philippine Embassy in China, and tourism practitioners in the Philippines. Director Hadi Tjahjono of Education, Culture and Tourism Division of the ACC presided over the opening session.

In his remarks, Secretary General Shi emphasized that ASEAN and China are both important tourist sources and destinations for each other. The ACC, serving as a communication channel between ASEAN and China, has always been committed to promoting tourism exchanges and cooperation between both sides. He looked forward to the workshop further helping tourism practitioners of the Philippines improve their Chinese communication skills and capacities.

Ambassador Jamie A. FlorCruz appreciated the ACC and the DoT’s efforts in facilitating the workshop which helps enhance the capacity of local tour guides and other tourism practitioners in the Philippines. He stressed that local tour guides and practitioners are at the forefront of the people-to-people exchanges between China and the Philippines.

On behalf of the Honorable Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco of the DoT of the Philippines, Dr. Erwin highlighted the contribution of the Chinese tourists to the Philippine tourism sector as the country is eager to welcome Chinese visitors back. Prior to the pandemic, China was the second-largest source of international visitors to the Philippines.

The workshop focused on Chinese language communication skills, tour guiding capability, and hospitality management skills. The ACC invited distinguished lecturers from various reputable academic institutions and tourism companies.