‘Korea, Sparkling’ has been gaining a lot of attention, can you explain what this brand means for MICE buyers?
The Korea Convention Bureau has launched a new slogan and promotion campaign ‘Korea, Your Sparkling MICE Destination’, which is derived from the ‘Korea, Sparkling’ brand.
We expect this campaign to catch MICE buyers’ attention, to see Korea as a perfect MICE destination full of excitement and energy.
What assistance does KTO offer inbound meeting and incentive groups?
KTO provides financial support to the MICE organising or hosting associations in Korea. The support includes: familiarisation or inspection tours; producing souvenirs and gifts; promotional material such as leaflets, brochures and DVDs; financial support for the receptions; and we work with Korean organisations to prepare their bids.
KTO tries to take part in business opportunities at trade shows such as AIME, IT&CMA, CIBTM and IT&CM to meet more meeting planners in the region, and to provide more up-to-date information on Korea.
Are there any particular groups that KTO is targeting?
We expect to host more global conventions organised by international associations, academic groups and international organisations. The Asian market forms a big share in incentive tour and small- or medium-sized corporate meetings.
Most of our clients are business or corporate buyers, who wish to hold a corporate meeting, incentive tour or teambuilding programme combining traditional culture experience and modernity
at the same time.
What are the biggest events that will be held in Korea this year?
The 58th JCI Asia Pacific Conference Busan (May 28-June 1); World Aquaculture 2008, BEXCO ( May 19-23); 17th World Congress of International Federation of Automatic Contral ( IFAC); 38th World Scout Conference, ICC Jeju (July 14-18); and 2008 Unicity Global Convention, BEXCO (September. 18-20); and the 9th International Congress on Cell Biology 2008 (ICCB) (October 7-10).
What steps have been taken to ensure that there are sufficient trained and professional personnel?
KTO has been providing education services for professionals in the MICE industry, international business English – both online and offline courses. What are KTO’s goal for Korea’s MICE industry?
Our vision is to be one of the G12 in the global MICE industry by 2010.
KTO aiming towards a successful MICE future
CEI conducts an exclusive interview with Jaesung Rhee, managing director, Korea Tourism Organization (KTO)
