Philippine tour operators are optimistic that more than 1 million Chinese tourists will travel to the nation this year, due to a relaxed visa policy, the opening of new hotels and possibly more flights.

Stephen Techico, chairman of Philippine travel agency Uni-Orient Travel Inc, observed "a noteworthy change of perception" among Chinese tourists amid stronger diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries.

"The growth is palpable," Techico said on Thursday, when the China-ASEAN Year of Tourism was kicked off in Manila, the Philippine capital.