[Hidden Gem El Nido]② Wedding and Travel at Once... Spotlighted as a 'Destination Wedding' Hotspot

El Nido, a Hidden Gem in the Philippines' Top Tourist Destination Korea
El Nido, a Travel Spot Perfect for Both Weddings and Honeymoons

"We hope you enjoy a wonderful vacation discovering hidden gems in majestic El Nido."

El Nido in the Philippines is gaining popularity in the United States and Europe as a so-called 'destination wedding' spot where couples can combine their wedding and travel in one trip.
[Photo by tripadvisor]

On the 25th, Eriq Agaser, Sales Director of El Nido Seda Lio Hotel, who visited Korea for the El Nido roadshow, described El Nido in one word as 'majestic' or a 'hidden gem.'

The Philippines is a preferred travel destination and a representative resort for Korean tourists. According to the 2023 foreign visitor statistics released by the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) on the 8th, Korea ranked first with 1,446,606 visitors, surpassing the United States (903,299). Japan ranked third with 302,082 visitors, following the U.S.

Although Korea is the most important and largest market in the Philippine tourism industry, El Nido has remained an unfamiliar and little-known area domestically. Agaser said, "Since Korea is a very important market for the Philippines, we plan to actively promote El Nido in Korea by forming a new partnership with GSA (General Sales Agent) Aero One."

Seda Lio Hotel is the largest hotel in El Nido, with about 530 rooms, and is equipped with various facilities optimized for diverse events, including MICE and island hopping tours, Agaser explained.

El Nido, boasting pristine natural scenery, is designated as an environmental protection zone for the entire island, and Seda Lio is leading ESG management in consideration of this. Agaser said, "As part of activities to protect the environment and preserve the island's landscape, we operate the Philippine Eagle program to contribute to nature conservation," adding, "We also conduct turtle habitat protection activities and independently pursue various projects for community development."

Eriq Agaser, Sales Director at El Nido Seda Hotel.

He said it was impressive to have created an opportunity to promote El Nido together with Korean travel agency officials at this El Nido roadshow. He added, "El Nido has long been known as a paradise for Europeans, but with this launch, we expect many Korean travelers to visit."

Additionally, Agaser said, "Last year, Seda Lio Hotel hosted as many as 3,000 weddings and gained attention as a 'destination wedding' venue (a wedding style combining the ceremony and honeymoon). Since El Nido has been known as a honeymoon destination in Korea for over a decade, I am confident that this launch will highlight El Nido as a place where honeymoons and weddings can be held simultaneously, gaining new recognition in Korea."

El Nido is renowned internationally as a paradise for island hopping tours and diving due to its stunning natural landscape formed by towering cliffs and numerous lagoons. Accordingly, most visitors to El Nido are locals and Europeans.

According to the 2023 Palawan tourism statistics announced by the Palawan Tourism Department on the 23rd, the total number of visitors last year was 1,527,159, of which 873,592 were domestic tourists and 653,567 were foreigners. The most visited tourist destination by both domestic and foreign tourists was El Nido, with 518,385 visitors. Among foreign tourists, the nationality distribution was 6.46% from the United States, 4.66% from France, 4.26% from Germany, 4.07% from the United Kingdom, and 3.39% from Spain, indicating the highest proportion of European tourists.

Agaser said, "Previously, reaching El Nido required a 6 to 7-hour vehicle trip from Palawan, but now, with the operation of Rio Airport and AirSWIFT flights, tourism convenience has improved. Also, through Seda Lio Hotel, which is adjacent to the airport, travel has become more convenient. We look forward to many Korean travelers visiting El Nido, where a special experience awaits."