Chinese tour operators eye chartered flights to Eastern Visayas

TACLOBAN CITY, Sept. 10  -- Tour operators in China have expressed interest to bring in chartered flights to Eastern Visayas for Chinese travelers to see the region’s nature attractions.

Department of Tourism Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes confirmed on Monday that some Chinese tour operators found the region’s destinations attractive after seeing photos and tour programs shared by some members of the Tourism Promotions Board and Philippine Tour Operators Association.

Last month, the two groups brought Manila-based tour operators, tourism-related businesses owners, journalists, and bloggers for familiarization tours to the region’s tourist-ready destinations.

The DOT has yet to get more information on interested tour operators and their specific locations in China.

“When this will happen is still a question because there are so many preparations that we need to do. We have to fine-tune the itinerary and further assess the landing capability of our airport. Although it’s a chartered flight, we still have to go through customs, immigration and quarantine processes,” Tiopes said.

Tacloban Airport, the gateway to Eastern Visayas, has a 2,100-meter runway, below than the 3,000-meter safety requirement for bigger aircrafts.

The DOT will meet with local tour operators to make adjustments with the tour program and add up more activities for Chinese tourists.

“We really need some tourist activities between Tacloban and popular destinations. We will bring Chinese tourists to sites which are two-hour drive from Tacloban since it is tolerable, but if the place is magnificent, it’s fine with them to take a longer trips,” Tiopes added.

Among the region’s top destinations are Kalanggaman Island in Palompon, Leyte; Cuatro Islas in Inopacan and Hindang, Leyte; Sohoton Cave and Natural Bridge in Basey, Samar; Ulot River in Paranas, Samar; waterfalls in Calbayog City in Samar; dive sites in Southern Leyte; and Biri Rock Formations in Northern Samar.

The region consists of the provinces of Biliran, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Northern Samar, Samar, and Southern Leyte, and the cities of Baybay, Borongan, Calbayog, Catbalogan, Maasin, Ormoc and Tacloban, the Eastern Visayas' regional center.

These areas are known for dive tourism, nature adventure, historical sites, picturesque islands, biodiversity, and nature adventure. (SQM/PNA)