The Chinese have become Negros Oriental’s biggest tourist market with up to 600 visitors a week.
Provincial Tourism Officer Myla Mae Abellana-Bromo said because of this, some Chinese tour operators are mulling the possibility of direct charter flights between Shanghai and Dumaguete.
Chinese tour operators visited Negros Oriental last month to check the facilities at the Dumaguete airport for direct charter flights.
There are two Chinese tour operators based here in Dumaguete.
Chinese tourists love the beach, the food, and the sense of freedom when in Dumaguete and nearby areas, Bromo noted.
Bromo said topping the list for their tour destinations that are accessible from the Province as a jump-off point are: the world-renowned dive destination Apo Island off the coast of Dauin; the whale-shark encounters in Oslob, Cebu — which is just across the Tanon Strait from Sibulan; the dolphin and whale watching tours in Bais; and the White Sand Bar in Manjuyod.
For many years until 2015, Americans topped the list of foreigners coming to Dumaguete and Negros Oriental.
Today, Chinese rank first, followed by Americans, and Korean nationals. (PNA)