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DOT now offers Korean-Speaking Agents via tourist hotline
Korean-Speaking Agents join DOT’s tourist hotline
Starting in February, visitors will have the opportunity to receive assistance from Korean-speaking representatives at the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) newly enhanced Tourist Assistance Call Center (TACC). This expanded service aims to provide tailored support, ensuring that guests can navigate their stay with ease and confidence.
On Saturday, February 1, the Department of Tourism (DOT) proudly announced an exciting expansion of its tourist hotline, introducing dedicated Korean-speaking support to better serve travelers from South Korea, the largest source of inbound tourism to the Philippines. This thoughtful initiative underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the travel experience for visitors.
Inquirers can now access direct assistance from a dedicated Korean-speaking representative, available to provide personalized support from Monday to Friday, between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM Philippine Standard Time. This enhancement not only bridges communication gaps but also demonstrates the DOT’s dedication to welcoming and accommodating the needs of international travelers.
“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 is a crucial step in the government’s ambitious initiative to digitize public services, fostering a seamless, responsive, and technology-driven approach to assisting tourists. As of January 30, 2025, the Tourist Assistance and Customer Care (TACC) has successfully facilitated over 13,502 transactions, catering to travelers from an impressive 71 different nationalities. Notably, the Philippines, the United States, and Australia stand out as the most represented countries among these visitors.
The inquiries received often encompass a wide range of topics, including general tourism information, travel and tour services, Department of Tourism (DOT) accreditation, and various career opportunities within the industry.
Lauded as a flagship program of the DOT under Secretary Frasco, the TACC has garnered recognition as one of Asia’s leading customer support platforms. Its exemplary service was recently honored with the prestigious “Best in Service – Customer Support (Regional Level)” award at the acclaimed Asia Best of Best Awards 2024, held at the luxurious Westin Dubai, Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina in 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 enthusiastically welcomed an impressive 1,574,152 visitors from South Korea, marking a noteworthy 8.1% increase from the previous year’s total of 1,455,977 arrivals. This remarkable figure also reflects a 2.5% growth compared to the pre-pandemic year of 2019, when there were 1,539,402 arrivals, showcasing a full recovery that has not only returned to normal but has also surpassed pre-pandemic levels. South Korea continues to be the Philippines’ largest source of foreign visitors, accounting for more than 26.46% of the total tourist arrivals, underscoring the strong cultural and travel ties between the two nations.
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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DOT now offers Korean-Speaking Agents via tourist hotline
Melo Villareal
Out of Town Blog
