Philippines chosen as "most popular destination in Asia"

The Philippines was selected as the most popular destination by Guanzhou Information Times and the Guangzhou International Tourism Fair (GITF) during separate ceremonies held in the capital of Guangdong in southern China.

Li Xinzhang, vice president of Guangzhou Information Times, presented to the Philippines the “Most Popular Destination in Asia”. Philippine Tourism Undersecretary Daniel Corpuz and Consul General to Guangzhou Raly Tejada received the award.

Guangzhou Information Times is a subsidiary of Guangzhou Daily.

Meanwhile, the Philippines was also among the recipients of the “Most Popular Destination” awards during the Guangzhou International Travel Fair (GITF) Awards Night held at the China Marriott Hotel. 

The Philippines was the lone recipient from Southeast Asia. The other co-winners include Dubai (United Arab Emirates), Chicago (United States), Korea, Seychelles, Mauritius, Turkey, Sri Lanka, Macau, and Italy.

The GITF is organized by the Guangdong Provincial Tourism Administration through the Tourism Administration of Guangzhou Municipality in cooperation with Hannover Milano Fairs Shanghai Ltd..

Held every year in Guangzhou, Guangdong, China, the GITF has been recognized as one of the most significant annual international travel fairs in the Asia-Pacific Region for its extensive influence upon the tourism industry and related industries.

The Philippine Consulate General in Guangzhou issued a total of 59,861 visas to Southern Chinese visitors to the Philippines in 2012.

The Philippines continues to hold a strong appeal to the Chinese market as the Consulate General posted an increase of 6.45% in visa issuance for January 2013 over the same period last year.-ABS-CBN News (March 16, 2013 3:46PM)