Aklan’s tourism boosted with China visit
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan – The promotion of Aklan’s tourist spots to the growing Chinese tourist market was the highlight of the one-week exchange visit to the People’s Republic of China.
“The long term friendship, friendly exchanges for mutual benefits about culture, economy, related governmental affairs and tourism is expected to intensify with our visit in China,” said Augusto Tolentino, Kapisanan ng mga Broadkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) Aklan chapter chairman.
Tolentino and former vice governor Jean Rodriguez visited the city of Beijing and Shanghai in China with the 15-man Philippine delegation on July 25.
“The friendly and cooperative relations brought by this exchange visit would enhance cooperation in trade, municipal administration, arts and tourism,” he added.
The exchange visit aims to build and increase cultural, social, economic, educational, and political understanding and to foster cooperation across international and cultural boundaries.
Last year, a six-man delegation from the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) of the People’s Republic of China visited the world famous resort island of Boracay on May 13 to 14, 2005.
The delegation was headed by SARFT Vice Minister Tian Jin and KBP national president Ruperto Nicdao, Jr. through the Department of Tourism and Boracay Foundation Inc.
“The China visit will further improve Boracay’s tourism industry and promote the famous Ati-Atihan festival and other tourist destinations in Aklan like Manggad it Kalibo, Hurom-Hurom Spring in Nabas, Jawili Falls in Tangalan and natural spots of Libacao,” said Tolentino, current station manager of DYRG Budyong ng Kalibo.
Cau Hua, SARFT director-general, Social Affairs Supervision Department; Cao Yin, SARFT deputy-general, Foreign Affairs Department; Jiang Heping, deputy director, overseas center; Zhang Chenxiao, SARFT deputy director, Foreign Affairs Department; and Cui Chen Chao, secretary of the Vice Minister comprised the six-man Chinese delegation.
Last July 4, 2006 Mayor Wu Sheng, Vice Mayor Wen Yung Yu and company from Sikui, Guan Dong, China also visited this town to establish friendship and cooperation.