On stage: Lee Jae Hoon, KTO’s chief representative in Vietnam. Photo Credit: Tourism Information Technology Center
Vietnam has shown its importance to the Korean business events market by being the first stop for the latter’s Korea MICE Road Show 2023. The event was launched over two days last month in Intercontinental Hanoi Landmark 72, and Lotte Hotel Saigon in Ho Chi Minh City.
According to Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), Vietnam has shown great importance in enhancing Korea’s efforts in tapping the Southeast Asian market and sustaining its growth which contributes to the tourist arrivals in Korea. Vietnam is one of the top inbound markets for business events in Korea, a destination which is renowned for its blend of history and modern charms, UNESCO world heritage sites, 24-hour shopping experience, and growing interest in Hallyu (Korean Wave).
The roadshow comprised a large delegation of 48 organisations and MICE representatives - local convention bureaus, Korea unique venues, among others. Over 120 travel agencies representatives, airlines, journalists, and other industry partners attended the event.
Lotte Hotel Saigon in Ho Chi Minh City: one of the venues of the road show. Photo Credit: Lotte Hotel SaigonKorea’s offerings as a leading meeting destination were showcased to Vietnamese buyers such as the Korea Unique Venue program and popular tourist attractions. Buyers were updated on the support programme for incentive travel and corporate meetings, including the new Korea Unique Venue support.
Event participants had the opportunity to experience modern Korean culture, starting with a welcome dinner, followed by a live performance of ‘Sachoom’.
Korea’s total number of inbound incentive visitor arrivals from Southeast Asia reached 373,008 in 2019. The Union of International Associations’ (UIA) Global Meetings Statistics, ranked South Korea second worldwide, with 463 international events hosted in 2021.