Dwindling Korean arrivals a mere seasonal slowdown

The Department of Tourism (DOT) downplayed the slowdown of Korean arrivals in Central Visayas in the first semester of this year, saying "it is only a seasonal slowdown."

"It's only a 'seasonal slowdown'. Based on reports on bookings for the remainder of the year, it's still strong," said DOT secretary Joseph Ace Durano, commenting on the 10.44 percent decrease of South Korean visitors arrival to Cebu and the 8.71 plunge in arrival in Central Visayas in the first six months of this year.

Latest record from the DOT-7 regional office showed that there were 109,842 Koreans who visited the region from January to June this year, which translates to a slowdown of 8.71 percent compared to the same period in 2007.

In Cebu, Korean arrivals totaled to 103,139, down by 10.44 percent compared to the same period of last year, which recorded at 115,161.

Korean nationals visiting Bohol, Negros Oriental and Siquijor in the first six months of this year only reached to 4,603; 2,013; and 87, respectively.

For his part, DOT undersecretary Phineas Alburo said that the slowdown of Korean arrivals could be a concern considering that Korean tourists continue to be on the top of the list of foreign arrivals in the Philippines.

On the other hand, Alburo echoed Durano's statement saying it could be a seasonal arrival decrease considering that some Koreans are exploring other places in the Philippines, such as those in the far-flung provinces, like Leyte, Samar, Surigao, among others.

"The personality of the younger Koreans visiting our country is that they are more adventurous, they love to discover many places. With Cebu as the hub, they are now visiting other provinces like Leyte, Negros Occidental, and other areas of interest," Alburo said.

Generally, tourist arrivals to Central Visayas in the same period have increased by 10.75 percent, totaling 1.06 million in the first half of this year.

Foreign arrivals accounted for 393,848, while domestic guests coming to the regional registered at 673,010. – Ehda M. Dagooc