DOT lures more Korean students via TV quiz show

The Department of Tourism (DOT) is invading a television show in Korea in an effort to lure more Korean students to visit and study in the country.

Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano said the DOT has linked up with Superkids, a popular quiz show on Arirang TV for elementary school students in Korea.

Superkids, which goes on air in Korea as well as countries in Oceania, Europe, Africa and the Arab region, features 40 contestants who have to solve questions as a team or as individuals.

For the main prize, Durano said the DOT is giving away travel certificates, including round-trip tickets and accommodation in top hotels and resorts in the Philippines, to four winning students and their parents every month.

“Koreans are substantial economy boosters as they make up the biggest source of tourism arrivals,” Durano said.

Tourism Undersecretary Eduardo Jarque Jr. said the DOT’s English Language Program is more than just English language instruction because classes are integrated into tours of top destinations where students can interact with the locals and apply what they have learned. 

Jarque said students may enroll in the two-month program that coincides with their summer or winter breaks, while others may opt for the regular course offerings of international schools and universities in the Philippines.

Last year alone, a total of 111,000 Korean students came to the country for English classes and other study tours, accounting for 17 percent of the 653,320 Korean arrivals.

Meanwhile, the DOT won two prestigious grand prizes — Best Booth Design and Best Folkloric Performance — at the Busan International Travel Fair. 

The Philippine booth showcased the country’s natural wonders, emphasizing its colorful history and genuine Filipino hospitality. 

Remarkable performances by the Kalilayan Folkloric Group made the Philippine booth stand out from the rest, besting over 200 organizations from over 30 countries.    

Maricon Basco-Ebron, tourism director and attaché at the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, said the awards reflect the earnest efforts of the DOT in promoting Philippine tourism in South Korea’s outbound market. 

DOT data show that Korea remains the highest source of foreign arrivals, accounting for 19.8 percent from January to July this year.