STO’s renewed purpose and focus on the Asia-Pacific market and the Seoul MICE industry will see the destination exhibit independently from the Korea contingent this IT&CMA 2018. The now fully government-funded foundation’s mission has expanded from not only promoting Seoul as an events and tourist destination but to also stimulating the city’s economy and academics.
About their current goals for the Asia-Pacific market and what they hope to achieve from IT&CMA this year, Jin Hyeok Park, Director of Seoul Convention Bureau, a division of STO said, “We are aiming to boost our market diversity and increase our MICE competitiveness to bring more travellers to Seoul. We are currently targeting new markets by leveraging on IT&CMA’s delegation of quality buyers.”
STO’s theme this year is ribbons – a wordplay on ‘reborn’ – which symbolises the restructured organisation’s ability to bond and connect people across Seoul’s MICE industry and the world.
Elaborating on the extended roadmap to continue developing Seoul as a MICE destination, Park added, “This change allows us to be more independent in making qualitative improvements to the Seoul Tourism Experience, for both the Seoul MICE industry and Seoul’s local stakeholders. The Seoul Tourism Organization is even more committed to the revitalisation of tourism-related activities as it leads the continued development of the industry.”
For buyers keen on bringing their next event to Seoul, the PLUS SEOUL Package is STO’s all-in-one MICE event support initiative providing bidding, promotional and hosting assistance. The programme includes both financial and non-financial incentives for organisers which can be extended as perks for their participants.
Part of the PLUS SEOUL Package’s upgraded offerings partners with 36 Seoul MICE Alliance members lending support through expanded hotel, venue, and services benefits such as admission discounts, free room upgrades, complimentary food and beverage, venue packages, and more.
Seoul will host the 7th UNWTO Global Summit on Urban Tourism this year, along with the Seoul International Fair & Sustainable Tourism Forum. International tourism experts are reported to attend and cover the destination, which STO believes will further promote Seoul as a ready MICE destination globally.
IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific delegates will enjoy a hands-on cultural treat of crafting their own traditional Korean knot when they visit Seoul’s booth this year. More information on the PLUS Seoul Package will also be available there.
