Tuesday, October 21, 2008 Espina: Koreans learn Filipino culture By Mila C. Espina In my diary
KOREANS have been hugging the news headlines for many reasons. The good news is that Korea continues to be Cebu’s number one tourist arrivals. The bad news is that they have been involved in misdemeanors among themselves and with some local residents.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) has developed a proactive program to immerse the Koreans, particularly those involved in the travel industry, in Philippine history and culture as well as the values we uphold.
The Tour Guiding Seminar for selected Korean nationals contains sessions in our history and geography, arts and culture, tourism thrusts and accreditation requirements; practical exercises in communication; rules and sanctions in immigration, customs, airport and airline policies.
In addition, there are tours of Cebu’s natural and man-made attractions; health-related and first aid drills; integrated lessons in Philippine and Cebuano music; culinary arts; hotel and restaurant procedures; local and national political structures; and current tourism thrusts.
The 50-hour module of academic and practicum courses end with practical and written tests. The facilitators come from Cebu’s stakeholders who cooperate to promote cross- cultural relations.
The local tour guides take the necessary steps to learn the Korean language and culture to prepare them to conduct tours for the Koreans themselves. The upgrading of local tour operators and guides is also a regular program of DOT 7.
