PH, SoKor eye resumption of talks to implement MOU on tourism coop
THE Philippines and South Korea are eyeing the resumption of talks and arrangements for the Implementation Program for the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Tourism Cooperation.
The MOU was signed in 2019 but have yet to be implemented due to the ongoing pandemic.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco said “the pandemic has upended many plans including that of the tourism industry and to manifest our interest to ensure that our plans for cooperation are translated into successful programs to benefit both our countries, we hereby express our willingness to host the joint working group meeting for the implementing program in the Philippines.”
The two countries also look forward to continued partnership and sharing of best practices in the English as Second Language (ESL) program, film tourism, and dive tourism, among others.
Frasco had bilaterals with Republic of Korea (ROK) Second Vice-Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Cho Yongman in Bangkok, Thailand, on August 19.
“Our friendship and our sense of community with the people of Korea is very far reaching. As this not only extends to tourism but also to our manifestation of our love for all the products of your country including your food and films, your KPop stars, and the many influences that Korea has had on the Philippines and the global arena. Recognizing Korea’s success in harnessing and strengthening its soft power, through its culture all over the world, we very much agree with you that we would like to strengthen our ties and further our relationship,” the Tourism Chief said during the meeting.
Yongman agreed with Frasco, stating that the Philippines is an important partner for Korea and both counties share several years of decades of friendship and alliance.
He also called for the safety and convenience of the tourists, and committed that more Koreans will visit Cebu, the home Province of Frasco, as it is already a popular destination among Korean tourists.
She responded with the assurance of continued training and enhanced presence of tourist police as well as improving infrastructure and gateway accessibility throughout the country noting that it is an identified priority of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.
The South Korean market was the country’s consecutive top tourist market from 2015-2020.
Since the Philippines reopened its borders in February, the country has already welcomed a total of 112,603 South Korean nationals.
The Philippines also collaborated with the Korean government on several projects such as the Korea Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Tourism (KOPIST) online training program.
