Good transportation helps Korea emerge as meeting leader
Almost a decade ago, Korea ranked 18th in the world for countries hosting conventions. But it has now jumped to No. 11 on the list and its capital Seoul is No. 9 for convention cities.
So says the Union of International Associations.
What’s behind the change?
“It’s no fluke,” says CVB officials.
“Meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions received an enormous boost more than a decade ago with the Convention Promotion Law, which encouraged the development of convention cities and the construction of exhibitions,” says the group.
The Korea MICE bureau launched a global initiative to reach corporate buyers and meeting planners through a new web site, revised print materials and fam visits for potential clients.
Regional CVB’s also banded together to form the Korea MICE Alliance to solicit planners.
“Korea’s rise as a viable destination for international events stems from several factors, not the least of which is accessibility,” says the CVB.
Over 70 airlines operate flights to the country from more than 70 cities. Incheon International Airport is about an hour from downtown Seoul.
A major carrier at the airport, Korean Air, flies from more cities in the Americas to more destinations in Asia than any other airline. Also from Incheon, passengers can connect to 20 cities across China and dozens of cities in Japan.
Once in Korea, a high-speed railroad (KTX) links all major cities within a a two-hour range. City subway and taxis are generally regarded as safe and reliable.
Travel information is also widely available in English.
By David Wilkening
David
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