Chinese tourist tops Boracay arrivals

Chinese tourists topped the foreign arrivals during the first two months of 2014 replacing then South Koreans who for several years registered as the most in number.

Niven Maquirang, jetty port administrator, said Monday that Chinese tourist arrivals reached 52, 740 followed by South Korea with 40, 511. Taiwan ranks third with 6, 387 arrivals.

"Many of these Chinese tourists come to Boracay during the Chinese New Year," said Maquirang, adding that Chinese now considered this resort island as one of their popular New Year destinations.

On March 11, Mandarin speaking Chinese tourists are expected to arrive in this resort island on board the MS Costa Atlantica Cruise Ship. The Italian vessel with 15 floors deck is considered as the biggest cruise ship to have so far sailed to this resort island.

On March 20, another cruise ship MS Europa 2 of Hapag-Lloyd is also set to sail for this resort island for the third time on board more Chinese tourists.

Boracay is being considered by the Chinese as their 16th favorite tourism destinations.