Spring blossoms in Korea at the Travel Tour Expo 2018

Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) showcased Korea’s diverse products in this year’s Travel Tour Expo (TTE). TTE was organized by the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) and was held at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City, last February 9 to 11, 2018.  The Korea Tourism Pavilion was located in booth area numbers 303 – 312 and 325 - 331 with the theme “Spring Blossoms in Korea”. The pavilion complemented the booths of Busan Tourism Organization, Gyeonggi Tourism Organization, Jeju Tourism Organization, Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, and Jeju Air.

Special airfares and discounted travel packages to Korea were purchased from participating airlines and partner travel agencies. All-inclusive spring season travel packages to Seoul, Gyeonggi – Busan, and Jeju Island, as well as special themed free-and-easy (airfare + hotel) tour products were availed. As a bonus, KTO gave away special gifts to those who booked and purchased plane tickets and tour packages to Korea on-the-spot.

For the second time, Filipino celebrity and Honorary Ambassador for Korea Tourism Sue Ramirez headlined KTO’s set of activities as she performed Korean and Filipino pop songs at the central stage. Visitors also had the chance to have a photo and autographs signed at the KTO Pavilion after her stage performance. Also, Jinho Bae - a rising Korean pop singer in the Philippines, and Volo Pro Veritas - KPop Cover Dance performers, graced the three-day event.

Visitors of the KTO Pavilion got to try and witness preparation of traditional Korean cuisine, join a K-Pop dance session, join the Korean fire-noodle eating challenge and experience a glam make-over. They also joined the “Imagine your Korea Stamp Tour” and got a special souvenir by collecting stamps from participating regional tourism organizations. There was also a segment about applying for a Korean tourist visa including updates on the special no-visa entry policy via Yangyang International Airport in Gangwon Province as well as presentations about Busan, Gyeonggi Province, and Jeju Island.