Korea Travel Night 2022, an extravagant show was held recently at the Palazzo Versace Hotel in Dubai marking South Korea’s aim to re-ignite the world of travel as it prepares to start tourism again to international tourists in a phased manner. The event was hosted by Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) Dubai branch office.
The show was inaugurated by the CEO of Korea Tourism Organization, Mr. Youngbae Ahn, who is in the UAE accompanied by high-level delegation visiting UAE and Gulf region. The ceremony included several impressive show that are ‘Samulnori’ using traditional Korean musical instrument, drum performances with media art and a sand art ceremony highlighting KTO’s new slogan “Travel to Korea Begins Again!”.
The event witnessed over 200 participation including vice president of Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET), Hoor Al Khaja, furthermore, 27 major Korean corporates and government entities, 15 UAE based media channels, and 47 of leading DMCs in the region to meet, network and deepen the ties between the two countries for a brighter future and growth in the tourism industry.
Since founding a branch office in Dubai in 2004, Korea Tourism Organization has strived to market Korea as a must-see destination for Middle Eastern travelers. By organizing road shows, FAM trips for travel agencies, media, and influencers, hosting medical conventions, travel fairs and participating in major consumers’ exhibitions and events, KTO aspires to establish interactive relationships with the travel trade industry and potential tourists in the region.
South Korea has particularly made a strong progress in making the country even friendlier to Arab tourists. The Korean tourism authority has been dedicated to carefully implement guidelines in the aspects of Muslim-friendly restaurants around the nation and providing prayer rooms for Muslim tourists in major attractions, airports and shopping malls.
These endeavor brought 13,226 UAE tourists, and 35,054 GCC 6 countries tourists to visit Korea as of 2019. Moreover, 4,089 medical tourists visited Korea to experience excellent cutting-edge medical treatment and oriental medicines.
Korea has a huge fan base in the Gulf region and this is continuing to grow at a rapid pace. During the show, KTO assigned a total of 30 K-Club members and social media influencers as K-travel ambassador, “Hwarang”, a historical notion of elite youth in Korea. The new Hwarang’s mission is to show their love and support to various Korean aspects like tourism, K-pop, K-food, K-beauty and Korean events through offline and online mediums.
“Korea Travel Night was a series of events planned alongside EXPO to offer and acknowledge our support to the UAE travel industry, fan clubs, followers and several other enthusiasts following Korea.” commented Ms. Hyunsun Hong, Regional Director of KTO Dubai office in UAE.
Over the past 40 years, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates have built a multi-layered and close relationship across a variety of industries. The shared visions and goals between the two countries reinforce the future-oriented collaborations in tourism, healthcare, culture, education, energy and other sectors.
Meanwhile, the Korea Tourism promotional booth in Korea Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai accumulated 530,000 visitors over the past three months as it further boosts its tourism with Hallyu influence.
