The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc (FFCCCII) welcomed the Philippine government’s 14-day visa-free entry policy for Chinese nationals earlier today, 16th January.
As of today, Chinese nationals planning to visit the Philippines for tourism and business purposes are allowed to enter the country visa-free for 14 days.
This reform comes less than three months after the resumption of the e-Visa for Chinese nationals in November.
A decisive move
In a statement, the business group hailed the program as a decisive and progressive reform which essentially puts the Philippines in a strategic position to attract the Chinese market in Southeast Asia.
According to FFCCCII president Victor Lim: “Chinese outbound travel is on track to surpass the pre-pandemic peak of 155 million journeys and projected to exceed 200 million by 2028. This represents a colossal wave of potential affluent visitors, the world's biggest tourist source market, whose consumption patterns are actively reshaping global tourism.”
Lim added that the Philippines’ new visa-free policy for Chinese nationals is a critical step to ensure that the country becomes their destination of choice.
Lim said the group will extend its “full and active support” to the government's tourism agenda, and mobilize its business networks to promote the Philippines “not only to the vast Chinese tourist market but to the world.”
