THE DEPARTMENT of Tourism (DOT) on Monday reaffirmed its strong commitment to ensuring the safety and security of South Korean tourists, who currently represent the Philippines’ largest source of international visitors.
“This is something we take very seriously. We have called on our fellow government agencies to work collaboratively and make tourist safety, particularly for South Koreans and all international visitors, a top priority,” Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said in a statement.
In 2024, South Korea remained the Philippines’ leading tourist market, accounting for 1,574,152 arrivals and contributing approximately USD2.3 billion to the national economy.
Frasco has proposed the creation of a National Task Force on Tourist Safety, following a high-level meeting with Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on May 21.
In a separate meeting last month with the United Korean Community Association, Inc., led by its president Man Yeong Youn, Frasco emphasized the government’s zero-tolerance policy toward crimes against tourists.
“Any person who commits a crime against a tourist should be punished to the fullest extent of the law because the consequences are devastating. It does not just affect the victim, it affects the entire economy,” she said.
“We’ve been in close coordination with the Korean government, led by the Ambassador of Korea to the Philippines, to ensure we work together in retaining the confidence of South Korean tourists,” she added.
The DOT has implemented several programs to bolster police presence and improve security across tourist destinations.
Through the Tourism-Oriented Police for Community Order and Protection program, the DOT has trained over 8,610 police officers.
The program was expanded to include village public safety officers and intelligence networks in far-flung areas.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) also activated 30 Tourist Police Units, established 104 Tourist Police Assistance Centers, and set up 1,243 Tourist Assistance Desks nationwide.
Meanwhile, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission has proposed enhanced tourist protection initiatives, including the deployment of Korean-speaking police personnel and the establishment of more tourist assistance desks.
Frasco called on the PNP to increase its presence in areas frequented by South Korean visitors.
The DOT Tourist Assistance Call Center, accessible via hotline 151-TOUR (151-8687), now includes Korean-speaking agents to better serve South Korean visitors and improve access to tourism-related services and information.
Through its Korea Office, the DOT is set to launch co-marketing campaigns in partnership with travel agencies and airline companies, organize a familiarization tour for South Korean social media influencers, and showcase Philippine tourism products through its dedicated showroom in Seoul, as well as targeted digital campaigns. (Ma. Teresa Montemayor)
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