Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Koreans dominate tourist arrivals
THERE is now a shift on the nationality of the most frequent visitors coming to the Philippines.
Department of Tourism assistant regional director for Southern Mindanao Roger Layson said the Korean tourists appeared to have dislodged the Japanese in terms of the number in tourist arrivals in the country.
But Layson was quick to add that in Davao Region, Japanese are still on top.
Although their number is increasing, Koreans ranked third in tourists arrivals in the region.
He said that five years ago, the Koreans ranked 10th among the foreign visitors who frequented Southern Mindanao.
He attributed the increase in the travels of Korean in Southern Mindanao to their desire to explore new Asean destinations and that includes Davao.
"This is also manifested by the growing market in Davao on the mushrooming of Korean restaurants and stores that cater to the Korean visitors," he said.
Layson said the growth is fast and Koreans come mainly for leisure and they are noted as big spenders.
He said they go for something exotic and love golf and do not miss the nightlife of their chosen destination.
The Koreans, he said, arrive as groups or travel alone because they now are able to communicate well through the English language.
"Davao has become a vibrant destination and the market really is growing," Layson said.
For Bisaya stories from Davao. Click here. (July 5, 2006 issue)
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