Korea intensifies campaign for Pinoy tourists

MANILA, Philippines - The South Korean government has lined up a series of tourism-related marketing activities to further increase the number of Filipino travellers to Korea.

Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) director for Manila Sangyong Zhu said  in 2013, Filipino travelers to Korea rose 20.9 percent to more than 400,600 compared to 2012.

For the period January to May this year, he said there was already a 10 percent growth on the number of Filipinos traveling to Korea.

It’s clear that Korea has become a favorite travel destination for Filipinos,” Zhu said.

The KTO official said starting next month, they would launch tourism-related activities to further promote Korea as an attractive tourism destination for Filipinos.

On July 4-6 KTO will hold Travel Madness Exposition, followed by Korea Travel Seminar (Focus on Gyeonggido Province) and Korea Study Abroad Expo on Aug. 7 and Aug. 27-28, respectively; Korea Winter Travel Fair on Sept. 19-21; and Premium Products Present and Mini Fair on October.

KTO launched yesterday the Korea Tourism Press Club (KTPC) to further strengthen coverage of Korea tourism activities.

KTO has selected some 30 members from local print, TV and online media to be given priority in all Korean tourism-related coverages in the Philippines and in Korea.

At yesterday’s launch, KTO likewise gave plaques of appreciation to The STAR and ABS-CBN for their exceptional coverage of Korea-tourism related news and information for the past two years.

 â€œThrough KTPC, KTO Manila expects to forge a close relationship with the Philippine media and provide more coverage opportunities related to Korea tourism,” Zhu said.

 â€œThe Philippine media walkways help us to promote Korea tourism and boost our brand image so we will give and offer them more privileges through the KTPC,” he added.

KTO, a government-run agency, has officially established its Manila office in May 30, 2012.