Keep 'em Koreans coming: DoT taps Korean market in Busan

By JACKY LYNNE A. OIGA

MANILA, Philippines -- May it be a bus full of tourists, students studying English, or business-savvy migrants trading their wares, South Koreans are now literally everywhere in the Philippines.

From the busy streets of Manila and Cebu, to the golden beaches of Bohol and Palawan, one can expect to see not only a huge number of Koreans but a string of Korean restaurants, groceries, spas and even pubs scattered around the area.

According to the Department of Tourism (DoT), Korea is the country’s largest foreign tourist market, sending 740,622 visitors in 2010 or 21.04 percent of the record 3.52 million visitors last year. This year, a total of 429,569 Koreans visited the country from January to June, registering a 28.76 percent growth over the same period last year.

To build on this industry-leading market even more, the DoT participated in the 14th Busan International Travel Fair (BITF) held last September 2-5, as well as other joint promotional activities in South Korea.

BITF is the only travel event in Busan, South Korea’s second largest city and second largest source of tourist traffic from the country. More than 80,000 visitors and 220 exhibitors from over 30 countries participated in the event.

“As our best performer, the Korean 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 Benito Bengzon Jr., Assistant Secretary for International Tourism Promotions.

The country will also figure prominently in the promotional activities of Korean companies LG Household & Healthcare (H&H) and the Lotte Department Store in Sogong-dong. 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.

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
.