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Philippines, Korea Sign Tourism Cooperation AgreementDavao City, Philippines -- The Philippines and South Korea have entered a new level of stronger internal relations and greater tourism cooperation. Philippine Tourism secretary Ace Durano and Korean Assistant Minister Byoung-soo Lim signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on tourism to strengthen friendly relations and establish greater cooperation between the two Asian countries. According to Durano, the agreement is aimed towards further promoting goodwill and mutual understanding between Filipinos and South Koreans, specially since there are now more than 100,000 Koreans residing in the Philippines and tens of thousands of Filipinos working in South Korea. "Tourism is certainly the right vehicle to foster better relations between countries as it allows individuals to discover, explore and experience the beauty of one nation and its citizenry," the tourism chief added. Both countries will mutually support each other's efforts in enhancing public information and tourism promotion activities, such as exchange programs involving media representatives, travel and tourism operators. The pact also encourages mutual investment in tourism infrastructures and greater cooperation in tourism advertising and development programs between the two countries. Koreans make up close to 20 percent of the country's international tourist arrivals. In 2005, over 400,000 Korean tourists visited the Philippines, up 30 percent from 2004. The Philippine's geographic proximity to Korea, and the Filipinos famous unique hospitality, are the two top reasons Koreans enjoy coming to the Philippines. Korean business establishments, such as restaurants, spas, resorts and other tourism-related investments, have also begun to mushroom in Makati, Metro Manila and other key cities in the Philippines. (Office of Tourism Info./R.Torres) 01/18/2006
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