Philippine Department of Tourism taps Korean market via trade fairs, joint promos

The Department of Tourism (DOT) will continue to build on the industry-leading Korean tourist market with its participation in the 14th Busan International Travel Fair (BITF) on 02-05 September, as well as other joint promotional activities.

Amorita Resort in Panglao Island Bohol

“As our best performer, the Korean outbound market remains one of our focal points for the year. New direct and charter air services have been crucial in maintaining the upward trend, as have been our fruitful efforts in trade fairs where we have received much positive feedback. This year’s BITF will allow us to cement our status further as a preferred destination for Koreans,” said Tourism Secretary Alberto A. Lim.

BITF is the only travel event in Busan, Korea’s second largest city and second largest source of tourist traffic from the country. It is expected to attract more than 80,000 visitors and 220 exhibitors from over 30 countries this year.

In other activities, the DOT has pledged to co-sponsor trips to the Philippines for the 2011 Miss Korea beauty pageant winners, to be crowned on August 3. The winners will also be volunteering for the Bantay Bata Foundation during their stay.

The Philippines will also figure prominently in the promotional activities of Korean companies LG Household & Healthcare (H&H) and the Lotte Department Store in Sogong-dong for August and September. Six lucky purchasers of LG H&H’s ‘MINIS’ toiletry travel kit and two winners of Lotte’s “Philippine Summer Festival” shopping promo will win travel packages to the Philippines as prizes.

Korea is the country’s largest foreign tourist market, sending 740,622 visitors in 2010 for 21.04% of the record 3.52 million visitors last year. A total of 429,569 Korean visitors visited the country from January to June this year, registering a 28.76% growth over the same period last year.

Direct flights to Manila and Cebu from Seoul and Busan are available aboard Philippine carriers. Charter flights to other destinations, most notably Boracay via Kalibo, are seasonal.

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