12 February 2014 - As part of its Chinese New Year offerings, the China International Travel Services Fujian branch (Fujian CITS) inaugurated two chartered flights on January 30 and February 06, carrying a total of 285 tourists from Xiamen to Legazpi, Albay.  The first batch of tourists was accompanied by representatives from the Philippine Tourism Office (PTO) in Shanghai and Mr. Zaldy Co, owner of Misibis Bay Resort, where the guests were billeted during their stay in the Philippines.

The group was welcomed at the Legazpi Airport by Albay Governor Joey Salceda, Legazpi Mayor Noel Rosal, Department of Tourism (DOT) Undersecretary Baba Jasmin, DOT Region V Director NiniRavanilla and Misibis General Manager Ian Varona.

Aside from enjoying the amenities of Misibis Bay Resort, the groups also visited other popular tourist spots in Albay, including Mayon Volcano, the Cagsawa ruins, lava front in Barangay Mabinit and Lignon Hill Nature Park.  They also had whale shark interactions in Donsol, Sorsogon and enjoyed water sports activities in Misibis Bay Resort.

The two chartered flights were all fully booked.  According to PTO Shanghai, the market responded well to this tourist route and preparations are now under way to regularize the Xiamen-Legazpi charter flights, possibly beginning in July 2014, flying twice a week.  If the passenger load is good, the charter period may be extended for one year.

CITS will also launch other charter flights in 2014 to other selected destinations in the Philippines.

These inaugural chartered fights come after the first cruise ship carrying Xiamen tourists made its maiden voyage to the Philippines in October 2013.  END