Beginning in February, tourists can access support from
Korean-speaking agents through the Department of Tourism's (DOT) expanded
Tourist Assistance Call Center (TACC).
The DOT made the announcement on Saturday (Feb 1) on the expansion
of the tourist hotline to provide Korean-speaking support, reflecting the
Department's commitment to enhancing service for travelers from South Korea,
the country’s largest source of inbound tourists.
Inquiring travelers can now receive direct assistance from a
dedicated Korean-speaking agent available Monday to Friday, from 8:00 AM to
5:00 PM (Philippine Standard Time).
“As South Korea
continues to be our top inbound market, this initiative ensures that Korean
travelers can easily access assistance, allowing them to fully enjoy the
warmth, hospitality, and attractions that make the Philippines a
destination to love,” stated Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia
Frasco. “In alignment with
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s vision of a digitally empowered government,
the DOT is dedicated to improving its platforms to deliver accessible,
efficient, and world-class service to all tourists, both domestic and
international.”
This enhancement aligns with the government's broader goal
of digitizing public services, promoting a seamless, responsive, and
tech-driven approach to tourist assistance.
The TACC has facilitated over 13,502 transactions as of
January 30, 2025, servicing tourists from 71 different nationalities, with the
Philippines, the United States, and Australia being the most represented.
Common inquiries include general tourism questions, travel and tour services,
DOT accreditation, and career opportunities.
A flagship program of the DOT under Secretary Frasco, the
TACC was recognized as one of Asia’s premier customer support platforms, and
was recently awarded "Best in Service – Customer Support (Regional Level)’
award at the prestigious Asia Best of Best Awards 2024 at Westin Dubai, Mina
Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Dubai UAE.
In its ongoing commitment to tourist convenience and
inclusivity, "the DOT is
working to expand multilingual support services including Mandarin and other
languages for a more diverse range of travelers. We understand the role of
language accessibility in creating a smooth and enjoyable travel
experience,” added Secretary Frasco.
In 2024, the Philippines welcomed 1,574,152 visitors from
South Korea, representing an 8.1% increase from 1,455,977 arrivals in 2023.
This figure also indicates a 2.5% growth compared to the 1,539,402 arrivals in
2019, demonstrating a complete recovery that has surpassed pre-pandemic levels.
South Korea remains the Philippines’ largest source of foreign visitors,
capturing over 26.46% of the total tourist arrivals.
For seamless and responsive assistance, tourists can contact
the TACC through various platforms. The DOT emphasizes the updated mobile
hotline at +63 954-253-3215, ensuring a more efficient communication channel
for travelers. Additionally, landline users can reach the center via 151-TOUR
(151-8687), while inquiries can also be sent via email at touristassistance@tourism.gov.ph. For
real-time assistance, travelers may connect through Facebook Messenger at
Department of Tourism – Philippines or utilize the Click2Call and Live Webchat
services available on beta.tourism.gov.ph.
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