05 November 2025, Seoul. Ambassador-designate Bernadette Therese Fernandez participated in the Department of Tourism’s Ilocos and Pangasinan Region - Product Presentation and B2B Networking Session at the Orakai Daehakro Hotel in Seoul on 05 November 2025.  The event was part of the DOT Region 1’s Korea Tourism Showcase and Exchange Program, conducted in coordination with PDOT-Korea Office, held in various areas in the Republic of Korea for the period 2-7 November 2025.

The tourism initiative aimed at strengthening tourism cooperation and market linkages between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea by promoting distinct destinations, products and cultural assets of the Ilocos and Pangasinan Region, comprising of 4 provinces, namely, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union and Pangasinan.  The Provincial and local tourism officers, Region 1 Tourism Council officers, DOT-accredited travel and tour operators, hotel accommodation representatives and other private sector partners, together with officials from the DOT Regional Office 1 and the DOT–Korea Office, met with the Korean media, influencers and Korean tour operators during the event.  Cultural performances by the ELYU Chambers Singers and Samtoy Dance Troupe also entertained the participants and guests. 

In his welcome remarks, Tourism Attaché Dr. Erwin Balane stated that the region is prepared to provide world-class accommodation facilities and tourist destinations to travelers not only from the Republic of Korea but also other nationalities.  Recently, he also stated that the Philippines’ Department of Tourism was cited as a leading tourist board, a recognition of its steadfast commitment to promoting a resilient, inclusive and globally-competitive tourism industry.  

DOT Regional 1 Regional Director Evangeline Dadat expressed optimism that the Korean guests would rediscover Northern Philippines and explore exciting new partnerships and experience new flavors and travel experiences.  She mentioned that the current tourism mission to the ROK, aside from continuing to bolster tourism linkages between the two nations, would help promote authentic and sustainable tourism products designed for Korean travelers and encourage collaboration with PH local operators.

Dir. Dadat also pointed out that the region offers five key tourism experiences, namely, heritage and culture, nature and adventure, food and gastronomy, faith and wellness and authentic encounters powered by local communities.  

Ambassador-designate Fernandez, in her inspirational remarks, stated that the ROK is a strong and reliable partner of the Philippines in Northeast Asia in terms of contributing to the growth of the Philippine tourism industry.  She said that the Philippine tourist operators and LGUs can learn from the ROK in terms of cleanliness, recycling and the general care of the surroundings, prioritizing the health and well-being of tourists and the environment, supporting national heritage parks and providing wide-spread internet connectivity, encouraging the growth of SMEs in both rural and urban areas and supporting the creative industries.  She highlighted the continuing people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, which proves the strong friendship between PH and ROK.  She invited the Koreans in the audience to continue inviting their friends to visit the Philippines, not only due to its proximity, but also because the country has so much to offer Korean tourists, as exemplified by the diverse products currently brought by the PH DOT officials from the four provinces in the Ilocos and Pangasinan Region.

Tourism officials from the 4 different provinces also provided brief descriptions of the possible itineraries that Korean tourists could pursue when they visit the region.  The prospective tourists would admire the nature, cultural heritage and culinary delights that the region offers.  Local tour operators and hotel representatives from the provinces were also present to engage with their Korean counterparts during the B2B portion of the event.

Dr. Balane also informed the participants that in the first quarter of 2026, DOT is organizing a familiarization tour for airline companies, travel agents and other partners in the ROK to visit the Ilocos Region.  

The introduction and promotion of a new tourist destination like the Ilocos and Pangasinan Region is particularly timely and strategic for the Philippines. Region 1’s diverse tourism offerings—heritage and culture, nature and adventure, gastronomy, faith, and wellness—create fresh travel experiences that can attract international visitors seeking authentic and meaningful journeys beyond traditional destinations. END