In an effort to create awareness among Indian travel agents about Korea’s extensive MICE attractions, the regional tourism boards of Seol, Incheon and Gyeonggi came together for a special MICE Night organised by the Korea Tourism Organisation. For the first time 18 Korean exhibitors showcased their products in order to develop better relations with India’s potential market. Byungsun Lee, director, Korea Tourism, stated, “In the past years we have worked to increase awareness about Korea as a destination. We received 195,000 Indian tourists last year which was an increase of 27.3 per cent compared to 2015. We have been hosting training sessions on a regular basis with our partner agencies like Thomas Cook, Cox & Kings, Mercury Travels, etc, in order to develop Korea packages together to accommodate new products.”
Kang, Dong- Han, director, Gyeonggi MICE Bureau, stated, “Apart from the major convention centres we would also like to promote the activities for travellers. Some of the famous experiences among MICE travellers is visit to the Korean Folk Village, Everland Theme Park, One Mount Theme Park among other attractions. The three regions have a lot to offer through experiential travel post convention tours.”
Similarly, Incheon has one of the biggest convention facilities along with major hotels. Kim, Hey-Young, manager, exhibition and convention team, Incheon Tourism Organisation, stated, “Incheon is only one hour away from the main city of Seol and is well connected with the airport. There are over tours along with special cruise packages to be explored along with MICE.”
Justin C.B Park, director, Meeting and Incentives Team, Korea Tourism Organisation, added, “Last year has seen a decrease in MICE tourist arrivals from India but from this year it has already reach 650 by this month. We are positive that through our efforts we will be able to bring in more MICE travellers by end of this year.”