Korean visitors to Cebu to rise in 2009

CEBU CITY – Although the number of Korean tourists in Cebu has decreased in the first half of this year, the consular office of Korea here is expecting the number to pick up with the rise of Koreans starting January next year.

Consul General to the Republic of Korea Augusto Go expressed his optimism given that the Korean-led, five-star Imperial Palace Water Resort and Spa will open in Mactan in January coupled with the extensive marketing campaign of Korean schools

Data from the Department of Tourism 7 revealed Korean arrivals to Cebu registered 103,139 visitors that plunged 10.44 percent compared to the first half of last year, which was at 115,161.

"I don't want it to drop any further and I am optimistic that the number will pick up starting January," said Go.

Go said his consular office is mulling to produce a marketing video, highlighting Cebu as a leisure and education destination, which will be launched online.

"We will further promote Cebu as a nice destination through the Internet and this will be easily accessed by Internet-savy Koreans," said Go.

The plan, he said, was an offshoot during his meeting with the association of Korean schools here recently.

Go said the video will also center on Cebu's peace and order situation and its high level proficiency of the English language, tapping the partnership of the Cebu City Government for the project to materialize.

"If we are successful on this project, I'll also tell the other provinces to sell the Philippines to Korea online," he said. # .