Philippines bolsters tourism program, cajoles Koreans

CEBU – Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said she is in talks with her South Korean counterpart Cho Yong-man in an effort to lure more tourists to visit various destinations in the Philippines, especially Cebu, a favorite among Korean holidaymakers.

Frasco said the current talks with are just a continuation of the implementation of the 2019 agreement on tourism cooperation between the two countries. The duo was also present during the 11th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Tourism Ministerial Meeting in Bangkok on August 19.

"The pandemic has upended many plans including that of the tourism industry and to manifest our interest to ensure that our plans for cooperation are translated into successful programs to benefit both our countries, we hereby express our willingness to host the joint working group meeting for the implementing program in the Philippines," Frasco said.

She said the implementation program for the Memorandum of Understanding on Tourism Cooperation, derailed by the Covid-19 pandemic, was inked in November 2019 and is valid until 2024. It aims to bolster two-way tourism promotion, align tourism efforts, and increase engagement on tourism safety, security, and quality assurance between the two nations.

Frasco said the two nations are very eager to continue their partnership and sharing of best practices in the English as Second Language (ESL) program, film tourism, and dive tourism, among others.

Cho, for his part, said South Korea recognizes the Philippines as an important partner and cited the countries’ decades-old ties. The Korean official confirmed the plans to discuss on the implementation plan of the tourism cooperation signed and request the Philippines government for supporting for the bid to host the 2030 World Expo in Busan, Korea.

Expecting more Koreans visiting the Philippines, particularly in Frasco's hometown Cebu, the Korean official urged the Filipino government to ensure the safety and convenience of tourists.

Prior to the pandemic, nearly two million Korean tourists visited the Philippines, the highest arrival figure among all markets recorded in the country. Since borders reopened in last February, a total of 112,603 South Korean nationals have so far visited the Philippines. (Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)