To jumpstart and spark interest on travelling to Korea when travel restrictions are lifted, the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) Manila Office showcased Korea’s culture and tourism in its first-ever hybrid travel exhibition entitled, “Korea Travel Fiesta 2021: Korea Tayo Soon” last Dec. 4-5, 2021 at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay Activity Center and simultaneously livestreamed on KTO Manila’s Facebook Page and YouTube Channel. With its inviting and positive message, the event sent hope that traveling to Korea will definitely happen soon.
There is no doubt that Hallyu’s widespread K-Pop and K-Drama phenomenon has been rapidly growing in the Philippines over the years. With the many platforms available to listen to K-Pop music and watch Korean dramas and movies, Hallyu has influenced Filipino audiences of all ages to realize Korea is a dream destination to visit as a way of getting closer to their idols, as well as to experience the culture that has made them inspired.
Centering on the theme Hallyu, KTO featured activity installations highlighting the globally-praised K-Drama, Squid Game, as well as K-Pop themed photo zones featuring Honorary Ambassadors for Korean Tourism, ITZY and Brave Girls.
Korean Air, Philippine Airlines, and Jeju Air released airline fares for PH-KR routes onsite, while several partner travel agencies offered 2022 travel packages to different Korean destinations. As a bonus, visitors who purchased during the two-day event from any participating airline or travel agency redeemed special gifts from KTO.
Following the IATF’s minimum health standards and other safety measures in place, the two-day event was headlined by a rookie K-Pop girl group, PURPLE K!SS. The seven-member group graced the fiesta through a virtual interview with fan interaction and mini-games, live from Korea via Zoom. Live appearances from Jinho Bae and Ryan Bang took place on the first day with Jinho Bae serenading the crowd with K-Drama OST songs, while Ryan Bang performed a cooking demonstration.
According to DOH’s data, over 35 million Filipinos are now fully vaccinated as of Nov. 28 with Metro Manila alone having over 90 percent of its target population fully vaccinated. It can be noted that the Philippines’ cases of infection have continued to decrease since September. In Korea, on the other hand, 80 percent of the population or 40 million are now fully vaccinated. Both countries’ increase in vaccination rates is paving the way to a safer travel in the near future, as KTO remains hopeful for the resumption of leisure travel to commence in the coming year.
The Philippines has been one of the top 10 visitors in Korea, while Korea has been the country’s top market in terms of visitor arrivals since 2010.