The Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of the Republic of Korea have signed the implementation program of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Tourism Cooperation for 2024-2029 during South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol's first state visit to the Philippines. The deal was officially signed by Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and Minister Yu In-chon on October 7, 2024, with the exchange of documents witnessed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and President Yoon Suk-yeol at Malacañan Palace.
This implementation program continues and expands the bilateral tourism cooperation between the two countries, building on an MOU signed in 2006. Secretary Frasco welcomed the signing, emphasizing that it would enhance the longstanding relationship between the Philippines and South Korea, increase demand for Philippine destinations and tourism products, and create more economic opportunities through expected growth in tourism numbers.
Under the renewed cooperation, the two countries have agreed on several initiatives, including:
- Exchange of Tourism Professionals: Strengthening mutual development in hotels, resorts, cruises, ports, and related industries.
- Information Exchange: Sharing tourism development information to bolster each country's tourism sector.
- Tourism Safety Cooperation: Establishing mechanisms for safety cooperation through information sharing and contingency coordination.
- Joint Promotion and Marketing: Enhancing tourist traffic between the two countries through collaborative marketing efforts.
- Support for Each Other’s Initiatives: Participating in training programs, tourism fairs, and exhibitions to promote tourism investment.
To facilitate these efforts, a Joint Working Group will be established to ensure ongoing discussions and enforcement of the program.
South Korea remains a crucial partner in Philippine tourism, consistently ranking as the top source market for international visitors. As of October 7, 2024, South Korea accounted for 27.16 percent of total foreign tourist arrivals in the Philippines, with 1,230,858 visitors since January 2024, reaffirming its position as the leading tourism market.
Secretary Frasco highlighted that the renewed implementation program aims to introduce new initiatives focused on sustainability, green technology, and the development of emerging tourism destinations in 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 showcases the beauty, diversity, and hospitality of the Philippines,” she stated.
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