Philippine Tourism and Culture Festival Holds in Chongqing
08 June 2019, Chongqing. The Philippine Consulate General in Chongqing supported the conduct of the Philippine Tourism and Culture Festival organized by the Philippine Tourism Office-Shanghai, headed by Tourism Attaché Ireneo Reyes, held from 07 to 12 June 2019 at the SM City Mall-Chongqing.
On 07 June 2019, the Philippine Tourism and Culture Festival was formally opened at SM City Mall-Chongqing in Yubei District.
Consul General Crescente R. Relacion delivered his opening remarks, highlighting the fact that the Chinese tourists were the second largest Philippine-bound tourists in 2018 and the first quarter of 2019. He also mentioned that the Philippine Consulate General in Chongqing issued almost 74,000 visas last year, and in the first four (4) months of 2019 alone, it already issued close to 40,000 visas to Chinese tourists. He added that it is only a matter of time before China becomes the largest source of inbound tourist arrivals to the Philippines.
As the event was a celebration not only of Philippine tourism but also of Philippine culture, it featured cultural performances by the Kalilayan Folkloric Group, which was flown into Chongqing by the Department of Tourism. The Kalilayan Folkloric Group performed everyday at SM Mall until 12 June 2019. The same group was also scheduled to perform at Post’s Independence Day Reception on 11 June 2019.
Moreover, as it coincided with the Philippine Food Week, Philippine snacks, prepared by Guest Chef Michelle Adrillana, were served to the audience.
The Philippine Tourism and Culture Festival included many onsite activities, such as parades, booths for travel products, and raffle draws.
The Philippine Tourism Office-Shanghai also hosted a dinner gathering at Crowne Plaza Hotel for more than 30 pax representing the various travel agencies in Chongqing and Chengdu. Tourism Attache Ireneo Reyes informed the gathering that he will organize another Philippine Tourism Week and a familiarization tour to different tourist spots in the Philippine. The event was attended by the undersigned and Vice Consul Adrian Miras. END