THE Philippine Department of Tourism has noted the Korean Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) group’s increasing interest in Philippine travel post pandemic.

This, as over 600 Korean MICE and travel-related companies participated in the Philippine MICE Roadshow 2023 held in South Korea last October 11 to 18.

Thirty-three prominent Philippine companies and organizations, including representatives from the private sector and Department of Tourism (DOT) regional offices also joined the event.

In collaboration with the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, the DOT event was designed to showcase the Philippines as the ideal MICE destination, while fostering valuable connections between Filipino sellers and Korean buyers.

The journey began in Busan, followed by events in Yeosu, Suwon, and Seoul, respectively.

With its slogan, “The Rise of Bleisure,” the roadshow highlighted the fusion of business and leisure activities, emphasizing various MICE programs and incentives, collectively known as “MICE Plus Programs”.

These tailored programs cater to MICE groups, with a primary focus on key Philippine cities such as Manila, Clark, Palawan, Cebu, Bohol, Bacolod, Boracay, and Davao.

Korea has long been a steadfast travel partner and a major source market for the Philippines, with over 1.1 million recorded visitor arrivals this year. This surge reflects the growing popularity of the Philippines among Korean travelers.

Maria Corazon-Apo, Tourism Attache of the Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT) Korea, noted that “many Koreans travel to the Philippines individually and know its endless charms, which is why they choose the Philippines for their MICE events.”

The MICE Plus Programs offer a range of benefits, including technical support, promotional materials, airport assistance, cultural entertainment, and city tours, among other services specially designed to enhance the experience for MICE planners and organizers and their incentive travel groups.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Cristina Lee-Pisco