PHmarkisoimba
Fanatic
(1st UPDATE) Other Southeast Asian countries have brought in millions of Chinese tourists after waiving visa requirements. But political tensions and a wary local populace might prevent the Philippines from taking the same step.
In late September 2023, Chinese tourists visiting Thailand received a VIP welcome of a lifetime, with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin personally greeting the first batch of visitors to arrive in the country after it waived visas for Chinese nationals.
Bangkok’s airport was filled with a festive atmosphere as the Chinese visitors enjoyed traditional dance and puppet performances. Thailand quite literally pulled strings in a bid to bring back tourists from what was once Thailand’s top market.
Is it time for the Philippines to do the same?
Even as tourism recovers, the Philippines remains millions of visitors behind pre-pandemic levels. Throughout 2023, the country welcomed just 66% of the number of international visitors that it had in 2019.
In late September 2023, Chinese tourists visiting Thailand received a VIP welcome of a lifetime, with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin personally greeting the first batch of visitors to arrive in the country after it waived visas for Chinese nationals.
Bangkok’s airport was filled with a festive atmosphere as the Chinese visitors enjoyed traditional dance and puppet performances. Thailand quite literally pulled strings in a bid to bring back tourists from what was once Thailand’s top market.
Is it time for the Philippines to do the same?
Even as tourism recovers, the Philippines remains millions of visitors behind pre-pandemic levels. Throughout 2023, the country welcomed just 66% of the number of international visitors that it had in 2019.