In a bid to further promote Philippine tourism in China, eight Chinese youths have been chosen "Philippine Tourism Ambassadors." The selection of the new tourism ambassadors was in partnership between the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Shoe Mart (SM) City shopping mall in Xiamen, China, entitled, "SM Xiamen Shopping: Win a Philippines Tour and Be a Philippine Tourism Ambassador," a two-month promo that began in June.

Ten finalists were chosen from over thousands who joined the raffle draw held at SM City Xiamen. They were chosen through a series of interviews and were selected for their overall personality and communication skills.

Among the ten finalists chosen to compete for the title of "Xiamen-Philippines Tourism Ambassador," five were given special awards and three were chosen as the 3rd, 2nd, and 1st runner-ups. All of the eight winners will be considered Tourism Ambassadors and will tour the Philippines by September 2009, sponsored by the DOT.

These are: Zhong Hong, 23; Guo Hui Qing, 23; Zou Wen Jing, 24; Zheng Li Yan, 25; Tang Ning Bo, 23; He Wen Lan, 24; and Zhang Li Na, 25. Of the eight winners, five are females and three are males.

The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines said that there had been 160,000 Chinese tourists who flocked to the country last year.

Most of them travel by family and the highest number of Chinese tourists is from the middle-age group.

(Source:Manila Bulletin August 20, 2009)