Kayaking at the Big Lagoon in El Nido, Palawan. [Photo provided to China Daily]

On March 25, Philippine Airlines will increase its flights between the two countries from the current 99 to 103 weekly. And it will launch more flights from Tianjin, Shenzhen and Nanning, including direct flights to Puerto Princesa in Palawan from Tianjin and Shenzhen.

On the visa front, the Philippine government is continuing with its visa-upon-arrival policy for Chinese tour groups and its visa-free policy for Chinese nationals who hold valid visas to the United States, Japan, Australia, Canada and the Schengen area.

Umali says, the government is working to enhance the travel experience for Chinese visitors by improving its infrastructure and training for its manpower.

For instance, training is being improved, particularly for licensed English-speaking tour guides who serve Chinese travelers. And major gateways into the country will now have signage and information material in Chinese.

Also, thousands of trained policemen are being put on duty in major tourist destinations to ensure the safety and security of tourists.