DOT adds Korean language to tourist assistance centers


The Department of Tourism (DOT) is expanding its Tourist Assistance Call Center (TACC) by adding Korean-speaking agents to accommodate the growing influx of South Korean tourists.

Starting in February, the TACC will operate from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Philippine Standard Time, offering Korean-language assistance to South Korean visitors seeking information and services during their stay.

“This initiative reflects the DOT's commitment to enhancing services for our largest tourist market, providing a more personalized and accessible experience for Korean travelers,” DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco said.

As of Jan. 30, the TACC has processed over 13,500 transactions, continuing to play a key role in improving customer service, with South Korean tourists being the most frequent users.

The TACC’s commitment to excellence was recently recognized with the "Best in Service – Customer Support (Regional Level)" award at the Asia Best of Best Awards 2024 in Dubai, reinforcing its standing as one of Asia's leading customer support platforms.

Looking ahead, the DOT plans to introduce additional multilingual services, including Mandarin, to cater to a broader range of international visitors.

In 2024, South Korea remained the Philippines’ largest source of foreign tourists, with over 1.5 million arrivals, marking an 8.1 percent increase from the previous year and surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

Tourists can now contact the TACC through updated channels, including mobile hotline (+63 954-253-3215), landline (151-TOUR), email ([email protected]), and real-time services like Facebook Messenger and live chat.