The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, in partnership with the Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT) Korea, hosted a familiarization trip from August 17–23, 2025, highlighting Palawan and Cebu’s signature offerings of sun, sea, and culture to strengthen tourism ties with South Korea.
The familiarization trip was joined by nine Korean travel agents, who explored world-class attractions and experiences awaiting South Korean travelers. Delegates explored the UNESCO-listed Puerto Princesa Underground River, enjoyed island-hopping in Honda Bay, and visited premier resorts, eco-tourism attractions, and cultural landmarks. The tour concluded in Cebu which showcased the city’s rich heritage and diverse culinary offerings.
In a statement, TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles expressed optimism about the initiative: “We are hopeful that by showcasing the Philippines’ unique destinations to our valued partners in South Korea, we can inspire more Koreans to visit our shores. Palawan and Cebu embody the warmth, beauty, and cultural richness of our country, and we look forward to welcoming even more travelers to experience this first-hand.”
One of the participating travel agents, Nam Eun Young of JP World, shared, “This trip gave us a deeper appreciation of the Philippines as a destination. Palawan’s natural beauty and Cebu’s cultural energy provide an ideal experience that will appeal to Korean travelers. We are excited to create new tour products to promote these destinations to our market.”
According to DOT’s latest tourism data, South Korea remains one of the Philippines’ top source markets for international arrivals with 903,751 inbound tourists recorded as of September 1, 2025. Through initiatives like this familiarization trip, TPB continues to strengthen partnerships with Korean travel agents and position the Philippines as a premier destination for leisure and cultural experiences.
The Korean Travel Agents Familiarization Tour was made possible with the support of partner hotels and resorts including The Funny Lion, Astoria Palawan, Four Points by Sheraton Palawan Puerto Princesa, Hue Hotel and Resorts, Microtel by Wyndham Puerto Princesa, Best Western Plus The Ivywall Hotel, and Cowrie Island Resort.
ABOUT TPB
The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines aims to market and promote the Philippines domestically and internationally as a world-class tourism and MICE destination. As an attached agency of the Philippine Department of Tourism, TPB develops strategic partnerships with private and public stakeholders to deliver unique high-value experiences for visitors, significantly contributing to increased arrivals, receipts, and investments in the country. For more information, please visit www.tpb.gov.ph.
Reference:
Atty. Kristina M. de Guzman
Division Chief
Media Relations and Communications Division
[email protected]
