GOVPH

STILL NUMBER ONE 1: SOUTH KOREA REMAINS TOP SOURCE OF FOREIGN ARRIVALS FOR FIRST HALF OF 2024

The Philippine Embassy in Seoul is pleased to announce that South Korea remains the Philippines’ top source of foreign arrivals, delivering a solid 824,798 or 25.99 percent of the total number of visitors entering the country according to the Philippine Department of Tourism.

The Embassy, with the Philippine Department of Tourism Office in Korea, continues to work with our tourism partners and local stakeholders to ensure that Koreans who travel to the Philippines have an enjoyable experience. This includes prioritizing every traveler's security and safety, their easy access to tourism destinations, and overall wellness.

The full press release on the Philippines' vibrant tourism industry can be seen below: 

MANILA, PHILIPPINES. The Philippines’ estimated visitor receipts ballooned to more than P280 billion in the first half of the year, the Department of Tourism (DOT) reported Thursday (July 11). 

Based on its statistical monitoring report, tourism earnings from inbound visitors are currently pegged at PHP282.17 billion from January 1 to June 30, 2024, or approximately 32.81 percent higher than the PHP212.47 billion revenue from the same period last year. 

"The significant increase in our tourism earnings to PHP282.17 billion in just the first half of 2024 is a testament to the relentless efforts of the Marcos administration in revitalizing our tourism sector. This 32.81 percent rise from last year's figures not only showcases the growing appeal of the Philippines as a premier travel destination but also underscores the tangible benefits that tourism brings to our economy and our people. The income generated through tourism directly translates to more opportunities and improved livelihoods for Filipinos, reinforcing the critical role this industry plays in our nation's progress," Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said.

Meanwhile, as of July 10, 2024, the country has welcomed 3,173,694 inbound tourists, of which 92.55 percent or 2,937,293 are foreigners while the remaining 7.45 percent or 236,401 are overseas Filipinos. 

South Korea remains the Philippines’ top source of foreign arrivals, delivering a solid 824,798 or 25.99 percent of the total number of visitors entering the country. The United States of America (USA) comes second with 522,667 (16.47 percent), followed by China with 199,939 (6.30 percent), Japan with 188,805 (5.95 percent), and Australia with 137,391 (4.33 percent). 

Taiwan, Canada, the United Kingdom, and neighboring Southeast Asian nations, Singapore and Malaysia, are the sixth to tenth source markets, respectively.

“In the second half of the year, we anticipate these numbers to increase, not only the revenue generated but most importantly, the number of Filipinos employed in tourism-related industries. Many projects aimed at improving the country's connectivity and enhancing our visitors' convenience are also in the pipeline to sustain the good work we have started," the Secretary added. 

The tourism chief is optimistic about furthering the gains of the industry as the 2024 Economic Impact Research (EIR) of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) forecasts a “record-breaking” year for the Philippines’ travel and tourism industry in terms of economic contribution, employment, and visitor spending. 

According to the important global private sector group, the tourism sector’s contribution to the national economy is expected to reach PHP5.4 trillion this year, or around 25 percent year-on-year growth, surpassing the record-breaking achievement in 2019 by 7.1 percent. 

Employment in tourism is also projected to surpass 9.5 million jobs, translating to 20 percent of the national workforce. 

The WTTC also forecasts that both international and domestic visitor spending is also set to break records this year, pegged at PHP715.6 billion and PHP3.7 trillion, respectively, exceeding 2019 levels by 5.7 percent and 1.8 percent, respectively.

“This growth is testament to the government’s efforts in enhancing tourism infrastructure, with efforts underway to upgrade regional airports to alleviate congestion at Manila's main airport and make travel more accessible,” WTTC said in its report. END

PHL EMBASSY DISCUSSES COOPERATION WITH THE OVERSEAS KOREAN AGENCY

3 July 2024, Incheon. The Philippine Embassy, led by Consul General Romulo Victor M. Israel, Jr., met with representatives of the Overseas Korean Agency (OKA), led by Deputy Director General Samju Kwak on 3 July 2024 to discuss important topics on overseas national concerns, including ROK’s e-Apostille system, emergency preparedness and protection of overseas nationals, and potential areas of collaboration. Also present in the meeting was Third Secretary and Vice Consul Jill De Dumo-Cornista and Second Secretary Ernest P. Diga from the Philippine Embassy, and Director Hyunkyoung Lee, and Deputy Director Sooyoun Kim from the OKA. END

PHILIPPINE EMBASSY IN KOREA RECEIVES 2024 BEST ORGANIZATION AWARD

Seoul, 15 July 2024 - The Philippine Embassy in Korea is honored to receive the 2024 Best Organization Award conferred by the Department of Foreign Affairs.

The award was received by Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Theresa Dizon-De Vega during the Commemoration of the 126th Anniversary of the Founding of the Department of Foreign Affairs on 05 July 2024 in Manila. Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo congratulated the Philippine Embassy in Korea for this accomplishment during a milestone year commemorating the 75^th anniversary of Philippines-Korea diplomatic relations.

The Philippine Embassy in Korea was recognized for its steadfast dedication and remarkable achievements in advancing Philippine - Korean relations, fostering various facets of bilateral cooperation, and skillfully managing the affairs of the embassy, embodying excellence in diplomacy and collaboration.

The Best Organization Award celebrates the significant and exceptional contributions of organizations under the Department of Foreign Affairs in furthering Philippine foreign policy objectives and strengthening relationships on the global stage.

The Philippine Embassy in Korea shares this award with all our stakeholders and partners and the Filipino community in South Korea as their support and meaningful collaboration have made this recognition possible. END