US Navy Visit Boosts Philippine Tourism

The 7,000-crew USS George Washington naval carrier fleet docked in Manila Saturday for a four-day goodwill visit in the country, boosting the tourism sector and helping communities for the second time.

The visit is “a reaffirmation of vibrant bilateral ties between the Philippines and United States and is expected to become a boon to local economy benefiting particularly the tourism industry,” the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

During last year’s visit by the fleet, around $7 million (310.4 million pesos) in spending by the sailors went to hotel bookings, sight-seeing, shopping and other activities. Some of the crew’s family members also visited the country to meet up with their loved ones, DFA noted.

While in port, the U.S. navy crew will conduct community relations activities including painting of school buildings and hospital wards, medical missions and band concerts in Manila.

The fleet which is composed of four ships: aircraft carrier USS George Washington, cruiser USS Cowpens, and destroyers USS John S. McCain and USS McCampbell.

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