Diving into paradise

Jiang Ying, director of the online travel agency Ctrip's tourism business in the Philippines, says: "Many Chinese are traveling to the Philippines for scuba and free diving and to get a diving certificate. The country is attracting more young independent travelers from China.

"Chinese tourists prefer to go out to sea and travel to different islands, and they like spas, seafood feasts and sunset sailing tours."

According to Ctrip, Boracay is the most popular Philippines destination for Chinese customers－both group and independent travelers. Cebu, Bohol and Palawan islands are emerging destinations, with Ctrip bookings growing by over 60 percent a year.

Giving details about what the country has to offer, Tomasito G. Umali, the tourism attache of the Philippine Department of Tourism, Beijing, says: "There is more to the Philippines than just coconut tree-lined coastlines, fine-sand beaches, world-class resorts, and myriad underwater attractions.