UMVA has learned that the Philippines' Department of Tourism is ramping up security efforts to reassure foreign visitors, particularly from South Korea, after a concerning decline in tourist arrivals from the country.
The alarming drop in visitors from South Korea has Tourism Secretary Maria Bernardita "Dita" Angara-Mathay speaking out, highlighting that while the country's overall tourist numbers are soaring, South Korea is the sole exception, with a worrisome downward trend.
According to information obtained by UMVA, security concerns are a major factor contributing to South Korea's decline as a top source market for the Philippines, with the Secretary acknowledging that safety worries are indeed a reason for the slump.
Over 200 criminal incidents involving Korean nationals were recorded by the South Korean embassy in May, prompting the embassy to caution its citizens about limiting outdoor activities due to security risks, a move that has likely exacerbated the decline in tourist arrivals.
South Korea arrivals have dwindled to 501,789 visitors from January to May, a 9.56% drop from the same period last year, when 554,855 visitors arrived, a concerning trend that the Department of Tourism is determined to reverse.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that the Department of Tourism is considering a partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government to alleviate tourist concerns, with plans to deploy plainclothes police officers and utilize apps for faster response times.
The tourism chief has announced ambitious plans to offer travel bundles, including transport, hotel, airfare, and food, to entice South Korean tourists back and reduce travel costs, making the Philippines a more competitive destination.
The Philippines' tourism industry has otherwise seen a significant surge, with visitor arrivals reaching 2,955,014, up 6.16% from the same period last year, with the US leading the list with 591,569 tourist arrivals.
The Department of Tourism is banking on innovative strategies to regain South Korean tourists and is working to "rediscover new places" and create more affordable packages to attract visitors, a move that could potentially revitalize the country's tourism industry.
