Manila, May 27 -- The Philippines is stepping up its push for stronger tourism and business connectivity with China through the opening of new direct flights from Hangzhou, Changsha, and Chongqing.

The Department of Tourism (DOT), in a news release on Wednesday, said XiamenAir inaugurated on May 20 the Hangzhou-Manila service that offers a direct three-and-a-half-hour flight, replacing the longer multi-leg flight for travelers from eastern China.

For frequent visitor Yang Yan of Hangzhou, the new route reflects a clear improvement in travel efficiency.

"It's not my first time in Manila, but it's my first time flying direct from Hangzhou to Manila, so it feels very convenient for us. The flight only takes around three and a half hours,...