DOT vows stronger safety for Korean tourists

The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Monday reiterated its commitment to bolstering tourist safety in the Philippines, with a particular focus on South Korean visitors—the country’s largest source of foreign arrivals.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco emphasized the agency’s zero-tolerance stance on crimes against tourists, noting that such incidents have far-reaching consequences not just for victims, but for the national economy as a whole.

“This is something we take very seriously,” Frasco said in a statement. “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.”

South Korea continued to lead the Philippines’ international tourism market in 2024, with 1.57 million arrivals contributing approximately USD2.3 billion in revenue.

In a recent high-level meeting with Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Frasco proposed the establishment of a National Task Force on Tourist Safety. This followed earlier discussions with the United Korean Community Association, Inc., where she underscored the importance of coordinated efforts to protect visitors.

The DOT, in collaboration with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other agencies, has rolled out several initiatives to improve security in tourist destinations. These include the expansion of the Tourism-Oriented Police for Community Order and Protection (TOPCOP) program, which has so far trained more than 8,600 police officers.

Further bolstering the program, village public safety officers and local intelligence networks have been integrated, especially in remote tourist spots. The PNP has also activated 30 Tourist Police Units, 104 Tourist Police Assistance Centers, and 1,243 Tourist Assistance Desks nationwide.

The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission has proposed additional measures, such as the deployment of Korean-speaking police personnel and more accessible assistance desks, to enhance the visitor experience and ensure rapid response to any incidents.

In response to Frasco’s directive, the PNP is expected to increase its presence in high-traffic areas frequented by Korean tourists.

Additionally, the DOT Tourist Assistance Call Center has expanded its capabilities by adding Korean-speaking agents to handle inquiries and provide emergency support. Tourists can reach the center via hotline 151-TOUR (151-8687).

To further strengthen ties with South Korea, the DOT’s Korea Office will roll out co-marketing campaigns in collaboration with airlines and travel agencies, host a familiarization tour for South Korean social media influencers, and promote Philippine tourism through a dedicated showroom in Seoul and digital marketing initiatives.