In its continuing efforts to further enhance the vibrant tourism relations between the Philippines and China, the Department of Tourism (DoT) recently announced the selection of eight youth ‘tourism ambassadors’ to promote the Philippines to their homeland.

Tourism Secretary Ace Durano said, “Innate in the youth are the curiosity to travel the world and the idealism for responsible tourism.  We continue to strengthen our links with young travelers, for in such partnerships the message on conscientious travel is carried loud and strong.”

He added, “The DoT is delighted to welcome the eight young people who will be ushered in and around the country to marvel at our many wonders, and best of all, experience for themselves the warmth and hospitality innate in our culture.”

The recently concluded two-month campaign promoted a trip to the country’s top destinations and included a ‘Search for Eight Youth Philippine Tourism Ambassadors.’  In cooperation with SM shopping mall in Xiamen, the finalists were chosen through a strict short-listing process and a series of rigid interviews.

From thousands of participants, the selection was narrowed down to ten finalists, based on their over-all personality and communication skills, and finally the top eight were selected as the official delegates to represent their country to the Philippines.

They are: Zhong Hong, 23; Guo Hui Qing, 23; Zou Wen Jing, 24; Zheng Li Yan, 25; Tang Ning Bo, 23; He Wen Lan, 24; and Zhang Li Na, 25.

Undersecretary for Tourism Planning and Promotions Eduardo Jarque, Jr., noted, “We see a fruitful cultural exchange amongst the Chinese youth tourism ambassadors as they interact with Filipinos here.   We hope they get to appreciate not only the tourist destinations in the country, but more importantly, be part of our culture and our ways of life, even for a time.”

“And as they return to China, our hope is that they bring good news about the Philippines and our people, and that they would entice their families and fellow youth to visit,” Jarque further said.

Data from the DoT reveal that China is a continuously growing tourism market segment, popular on family or leisure and business travel.

Arlene Alipio, Marketing Head for DoT Team China, expressed high hopes that the young Chinese tourism ambassadors will gain more understanding of our Asian ties and our country’s tourism advocacies.

“Heritage trips are in store for them to give them an understanding of our country’s rich history, as well as nature and eco-adventure tours which promote respect for cultures and the preservation for the environment.”