Concern raised over safety of Korean tourists

MANILA, Philippines, July 23 ------ South Korea aired concern yesterday over the safety and security of Korean tourists in the Philippines following a shooting incident that killed one of its nationals in Angeles, Pampanga.

The victim was shot dead in broad daylight along Friendship Highway, near a bank in Korean Town, on April 20, which was initially reported as a robbery incident. “We are concerned about the safety and security of the tourists. This year, there were some unfortunate incidents involving Korean tourists. So that affects the tourism,” South Korean Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa told journalists during a meeting yesterday at the Korean residence in Forbes Park, Makati.

Tourism industry players have cited a significant drop this year in the number of visitors from South Korea, which has consistently been the biggest source of tourist arrivals in the Philippines in the past years. The ambassador said he visited Pampanga to discuss the incident as well as the safety and security of their nationals. “In terms of… you know alleviating this concern from the Korean side,” he added.

Lee joined National Bureau of Investigation Director Jaime Santiago and members of the Korean community for a joint meeting last month at Clark Global City, Pampanga.

Still, Lee believes Korean tourists will gain confidence and trust in the Philippines as one of the best tourist destinations. “We are proud to say that Korea has been number one among the incoming tourists. We hope that the trend will continue,” he said.

Source: philstar.com