With the recent ban against Chinese nationals working as Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), an expert on tourism and hospitality suggested that visa restrictions be eased for legitimate Chinese tourists.
Speaking at the recent general membership meeting of the Hotel Sales and Marketing Association (HSMA), Leechiu Hotels, Tourism, and Leisure director Alfred Lay reiterated the importance of the Chinese tourist market to the Philippines.
Lay explained that, at present, visas are one of several issues preventing Chinese tourists from coming to the Philippines. Another factor involves stricter outgoing currency capital flows not only to the Philippines but also to other nations within the ASEAN region.
He said: “If we remove more of these barriers, the ease of [Chinese] travel to the Philippines will improve, and that’s the overall aim.”
Lay also believes the imposition of stricter visa rules on Chinese nationals were mostly due to…