Clark is making a play for more Chinese tourists by selling experiences, not just destinations.
The Clark Development Corp. (CDC) is promoting wellness retreats, eco tours, hot springs, shopping, night golf, adventure activities, education tourism, and meetings and events as it seeks to position the Freeport as both a destination and a gateway to other Philippine attractions.
At the Philippine Business Mission 2026 in Shanghai and Xiamen, CDC pitched tailor-fit itineraries to Chinese travel buyers, highlighting Clark’s mix of leisure, business, and lifestyle offerings.
CDC President and CEO Agnes VST Devanadera said Clark can attract travelers seeking premium experiences while giving them convenient access to destinations such as Boracay and Palawan.
“Clark offers experiences worth staying for — wellness, eco tours, leisure, and shopping within the Freeport,” Devanadera said.
The push comes as the Philippines works to rebuild its Chinese tourism market through easier entry rules and stronger air connectivity.
Philippine Consul General in Xiamen Winston Dean Almeda said Chinese arrivals have increased 65 percent since January following the implementation of a 14-day visa-free entry policy.
But easier entry is only part of the equation.
In Shanghai, Consul General Myca Magnolia Fischer said visa-free access alone would not guarantee more arrivals.
“Reliable connections, thoughtful itineraries, and confidence in the travel experience are what bring visitors,” Fischer said.
That puts Clark’s connectivity and growing tourism ecosystem at the center of its pitch. Beyond its own attractions, the Freeport can serve as a launch point for travelers heading to other parts of the country.
The government is also studying whether to extend visa-free entry to other gateways, with decisions expected to consider the results of the policy’s first six months.
Clark already has plenty of traffic to build on. The Freeport recorded 32.6 million visitors and P43.47 billion in visitor spending in 2025. It also hosted nearly 3,000 MICE events.
For Clark, the strategy is straightforward. Give Chinese travelers more reasons to stay, make it easy for them to move around, and let the Freeport become part of the Philippine trip rather than merely the place where it starts.
