By PR | 10:20 PM July 25, 2024
With Bohol’s emergence as the new favored destination for investments in the Philippines, South Korea’s Consul General Sewon Song lauded Bohol’s efficient governance, especially in tourism management.
This statement was made after Song made a courtesy visit to the Governor’s Office on Wednesday, July 24. He was accompanied by Vice Consul Sung Won Sim, Consular Officer Gobui Hong, and Sungjun Park, consular agent for Bohol.
“Because Bohol has natural resources (and is very) rich in the tourism industry, there is an opportunity for Korean businessmen to open their businesses quickly and conveniently,” said Song.
“With a friendly environment for their businesses, (that is why) I think they also come here because of efficient governance over the province. These are the strong points to attract Korean tourists and businessmen,” he added.
Due to the available daily flights direct to South Korea, Korean arrivals in Bohol contributed 41.8 percent of the pie, according to the 2023 report of the Bohol Provincial Tourism Office (BPTO).
This can be partly credited to BPTO’s sustainable tourism practices and development as envisioned by Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado’s Strategic Change Agenda.
Acting Governor Tita Baja, Provincial Administrator Asteria Caberte, BPTO head Joanne Pinat, and chief of staff of the acting governor, lawyer Valeria Anne Torrefranca welcomed the delegation.
Among the agreed points were the additional immigration lanes at the airport, the availability of lifeguards and quick emergency response, and the enhancement of capacities of local government units on water safety and rescues.
Additional support services for Korean citizens and certification of travel agencies serving South Korean visitors were also agreed upon during the meeting.
Caberte and Pinat assured that a focal person will be assigned to Korean tourists to establish direct communication with the consulate and acknowledged the Song’s recommendation to increase room accommodations, including additional recreational activities to encourage Koreans to stay longer.
The consulate supported the establishment of a South Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Bohol in response to the increasing number of South Korean tourists, businessmen, and residents.
Over the past week, the Bohol-Panglao International Airport welcomed three direct international flights from Incheon, South Korea to Bohol with Air Seoul, Jin Air, and our flag carrier, Philippine Airlines.
With its all-rounder features and Unesco Global Geopark designation, Bohol as a popular tourist destination boasts for its beautiful beaches, accessible countryside spots, culture and heritage sites, and proximity to the airport. (PiMO/JSS)
