PH, South Korea Expand Tourism Cooperation

The Philippines and South Korea have signed an implementation program to strengthen and expand bilateral tourism cooperation from 2024 to 2029, aimed at boosting visitor exchanges and developing the tourism industries of both countries.

The agreement was formalized by Philippine Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and South Korean Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Yu In-chon during the state visit of South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol. The signing took place on October 7, 2024, at Malacañang Palace, witnessed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and President Yoon.

“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,” Frasco said. She emphasized that the renewed partnership is expected to drive more South Korean visitors to Philippine destinations and create economic opportunities for the Filipino people.

The cooperation between the two nations, which began under a 2006 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), focuses on various areas of collaboration. These include the exchange of tourism professionals, joint promotion and marketing initiatives, and improvements in tourism safety. The program also promotes investment in tourism infrastructure such as hotels, resorts, and cruise ports. Sustainability, green technology, and emerging tourism destinations across the Philippines will be prioritized under the renewed partnership.

A Joint Working Group will oversee the implementation of the program, ensuring that both countries remain aligned in advancing their tourism goals.

South Korea remains a critical partner for Philippine tourism, consistently ranking as the top source of international visitors. As of October 2024, 1.23 million South Korean tourists have visited the Philippines, accounting for 27.16% of all foreign arrivals, cementing their status as the country’s largest international tourism market.

Frasco underscored the importance of this continued collaboration, noting its potential to further enhance the tourism sector of both nations. “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,” she said.

The Philippines’ tourism industry, a key contributor to the economy, has been recovering steadily, driven by the country’s scenic destinations, rich cultural heritage, and efforts to promote sustainable tourism. The expanded partnership with South Korea is expected to fuel this growth, providing new opportunities for both countries in the global tourism landscape.

(Photo courtesy of: RTVM Presidential Broadcast)