The Tourism Department is confident Korea will remain the top tourist market for the Philippines despite martial law in Mindanao.
Tourism Undersecretary Benito Bengzon, head of the Philippine delegation to the recent Korea World Travel Fair in Seoul, Korea’s biggest annual international travel event, said the event was a “breakthrough in the meeting of minds” with major travel agents and airline executives.
“We look at Korea as a mutual partner in growth, in tourism and our Korean partners are convinced that the Philippines remains in fact a safe haven for foreigners,” he said.
Bengzon met Korean travel and tour, and airline companies that include Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, Hana Tour, Mode Tour and Yoo Han Travel.
Tourism spokesman Ricky Alegre said the isolated incident in Marawi City was immediately placed under control, and should not in any way deter foreigners’ trips to the Philippines.