PH, SoKor Tourism Cooperation Implementation Program to Expand Tourism Ties

The Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of the Republic of Korea inked the implementation program of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Tourism Cooperation for 2024-2029 during the first state visit of South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol to the country.

The deal was signed by Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and her counterpart, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Yu In-chon, dated October 7, 2024, with an exchange of documents witnessed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol at Malacañang Palace, Monday (Oct. 7).

The signing of the implementation program for 2024-2029 continues and expands the bilateral tourism cooperation between the two countries under an MOU on Tourism Cooperation previously signed in 2006.

“The Department of Tourism welcomes the signing of the implementation program on tourism cooperation which will further enhance the longstanding relations between our two nations in tourism and people-to-people exchanges. We anticipate this will increase demand for more Philippine destinations and tourism products from our number one source market, South Korea, and provide more opportunities for the economic advancement of our people, with the expected growth in our tourism numbers,” Secretary Frasco said.

Under the renewed cooperation, both countries have agreed to have an exchange of tourism professionals and administrators to strengthen mutual development and competency in the fields of hotels, resorts, cruises, ports, tourism products, and other related industries; exchange in tourism information on tourism development; strengthen tourism safety by establishing and improving tourism safety cooperation mechanisms through information sharing and contingency coordination; joint promotion and marketing to increase the overall number of tourist traffic between the two countries; participating in training and exchange; supporting each other’s tourism fairs, exhibitions, and other promotional initiatives; and encouraging tourism investment.

A Joint Working Group will be formed to serve as a platform for both countries to ensure the discussion and enforcement of the program.

South Korea continues to be a vital partner in Philippine tourism, consistently ranking as the top source market of international visitors.

As of October 7, 2024, South Korea ranks number one in terms of international visitor arrivals to the country which accounts for 27.16 percent of total foreign tourist arrivals since January 2024, with 1,230,858 visitors from South Korea arriving in the Philippines, reaffirming their position as the country’s leading tourism market.

According to the tourism chief, the renewed implementation program is expected to strengthen this robust partnership by introducing new initiatives focused on sustainability, green technology, and the development of emerging tourism destinations across the Philippines.

“We look forward to further deepening our collaboration with South Korea in the coming years. This partnership will not only bolster tourism exchanges but also contribute to the economic development of both nations, ensuring that the Philippines and South Korea remain premier destinations for travelers seeking rich cultural experiences and world-class tourism offerings. The DOT remains committed to fostering a resilient, sustainable, and innovative tourism sector that highlights the beauty, diversity, and hospitality that define the Philippines as a well-loved tourism destination,” she said. (MCN)