Number of tourists from China growing fast--DoT

China has proven to be the newest treasure trove for Philippine tourism.

Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano said the Chinese market has been the "fastest growing" among the top five sources of tourists for July 2007. The number of tourists from China grew by 20.6 percent, compared to the figure in same month in 2006.

The number of Korean visitors, on the other hand, grew by 16.3 percent last July. Korea remained the leading source of tourists in the country -- taking a 22.3-percent share of July arrivals or 62,692 tourists, according to Durano.

Durano said the United States followed closely as the second biggest provider of tourists with 48,560, while Japan, which came in at third, provided 34,156 visitors. China and Taiwan were listed at the top fourth and fifth positions, bringing in 13,304 and 11,325 holidaymakers, respectively.

The DOT is also finalizing plans for its participation in the JATA World Travel Fair, touted to be the biggest international tourism-related shows in Japan-organized by the Japan Association of Travel Agents.

Inquirer.net, Philippines