Turkish, South Korean tourism sector comes together at ‘2024 Korea Tourism Roadshow’
The event highlights Türkiye’s long-standing historical ties with Korea and the contributions of both countries to the tourism industry
Various companies related to the South Korean tourism sector met with Turkish companies at the 2024 Korea Tourism Roadshow held at Radisson Blu Hotel, Istanbul on Feb.26.
The event brought together representatives of South Korean Destination Management Companies (DMC) companies, travel agencies and representatives of travel and Meetings Incentives Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) operating in Türkiye that organize tours to South Korea.
The event started with meetings between Korean Air and Asiana Airlines executives, representatives of South Korean DMC companies and travel agencies with Turkish agencies.
Huseyin Kurt, co-founder of Oliva MICE and GLOBEMEETS, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of I-MICE Association, in an interview with Türkiye Today highlighted that the events like these are an opportunity to get to know local South Korean companies and flight companies more closely.
Kurt stated that the interest and love of the citizens of both countries, which are connected by a historical friendship with South Korea, is not a new beginning.
He also noted that the visit traffic between the two countries will increase with the increased interest and demands after 2.5 years due to COVID-19, shedding light on Korean hospitality toward Turkish tourists.
Hyuncho Cho, Director of the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) Istanbul, Davut Gunaydin, Vice President of the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TURSAB), and Woo Sung Lee, Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Istanbul, addressed the attendees of the event.
Cho, during his speech, highlighted that Korea has created a new opportunity in Türkiye’s tourism sector.
“Especially thanks to Korean TV series, television shows, K-Pop, cosmetics, Korean culture and Korean brands, Korea has moved from being a superficially known -friendly and brotherly country- to a desired -friendly and brotherly country- to be visited,” Cho said.
Meanwhile, TURSAB Vice President Davut Gunaydin emphasized the friendly relations between Türkiye and South Korea.
“When we talk about South Korea, our cultural and friendship ties come to mind. 15 years ago, on a trip to Korea, I said that South Korea is a -blood-brother country. One of the most important bonding elements between the two brother countries is tourism. As approximately 18,000 travel agencies with their branches, we are delighted to promote a friendly country: Korea- as approximately 18,000 travel agencies with their branches,” Gunaydin said.
Lee started her speech by discussing the historical ties between Korea and Türkiye, drawing attention to the reflections on the brotherly bond between both countries on travel and tourism.
“Korea and Türkiye have long-standing historical and emotional ties; the brotherly bond they have established since Türkiye participated in the Korean War, the close friendship relations they have maintained from the past to the present.”
“Korea has a rich history and deep-rooted tradition and is a destination where you can experience the latest examples of digital technology. Traveling is safe and comfortable thanks to high public safety and advanced infrastructure. This brotherly relationship between the two countries is precious for all of us,” Lee added.
Pointing out that the number of travelers from Türkiye to South Korea reached its highest level in 2023, Yunus Can shared the figures for 2019 and 2023.
Some 31,293 people traveled to South Korea from Türkiye in 2019, reaching 31,748 people in 2023 with an increase of 1.5%.
The Korea Tourism Roadshow 2024 event will take place in three cities – Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir.
Source: Newsroom
