PH, South Korea Renew Tourism Cooperation

Photo courtesy of The Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT)

The Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of South Korea have renewed their tourism cooperation for 2024-2029. The agreement was formalized during the first state visit of South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol to the Philippines, with the signing held at Malacañang Palace on October 7, 2024. Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and her South Korean counterpart, Yu In-chon, led the signing, witnessed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and President Yoon.

The renewed agreement builds on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in 2006 and aims to further enhance tourism ties between the two countries. Secretary Frasco expressed optimism about the program’s potential to boost tourism exchanges, especially given South Korea’s status as the Philippines' top source of international visitors. “We anticipate this will increase demand for more Philippine destinations and tourism products from South Korea and provide more opportunities for the economic advancement of our people,” Frasco stated.

Key aspects of the renewed cooperation include the exchange of tourism professionals and administrators to improve mutual development in hotels, resorts, cruises, and tourism products. Both countries also agreed to enhance tourism safety through information sharing and joint contingency planning, and to collaborate on marketing efforts to increase tourist traffic. The program will also encourage tourism investment and support participation in each other’s tourism fairs and exhibitions.

A Joint Working Group will oversee the implementation and discussion of the program to ensure both countries benefit from the initiatives outlined.

South Korea continues to be a vital tourism partner for the Philippines. As of October 7, 2024, it accounted for 27.16% of the Philippines’ total foreign tourist arrivals, with 1.23 million South Korean visitors recorded this year. The renewed agreement is expected to further strengthen this relationship, with new initiatives focused on sustainability, green technology, and the promotion of emerging tourism destinations across the Philippines.

Secretary Frasco emphasized that the partnership will deepen collaboration in the coming years and contribute to the economic development of both nations. She added that the DOT remains committed to fostering a resilient and innovative tourism sector that highlights the diversity, beauty, and hospitality of the Philippines, making it a premier destination for international travelers