The MoU reflects STO’s strategy to decentralise tourism growth by partnering with culture-rich regions like Andong for MICE and leisure tourism. Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/Atakorn
Seoul Tourism Organization (STO) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Korea Foundation for Cultures and Ethics (KFCE), aimed at promoting mutual development in the tourism and MICE industries.
The two organisations will work on a range of initiatives aimed at advancing regional tourism and MICE industries, including information exchange, joint business operations and the creation of cooperative networks. KFCE is based in the city of Andong on the Nakdong River.
STO aims to leverage its brand capabilities and infrastructure as a global tourism city, while the KFCE will contribute its cultural content, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Dosanseowon, Byeongsan Seowon, Hahoe Village and Bongjeongsa Temple. Key areas of collaboration include sharing tourism and MICE-related information, joint business operations, and nurturing the industry through various shared activities.
This initiative underlines STO’s aim to foster mutual growth between Seoul and regional areas and how it is actively continuing to collaborate with local governments and tourism organisations to achieve its goal of welcoming 30 million foreign tourists. In 2019, the Seoul Metropolitan Government launched the Plus Cities programme, which aims to merge Seoul’s MICE infrastructure with tourism content from local cities, offering visitors access to enriched cultural experiences.
STO CEO Kil Ki-Yon said: “This MoU marks the beginning of a strategic partnership not only for regional cooperation but also for achieving the '30 Million Tourist Era.' We expect that Seoul and Andong will create a new model for the tourism industry together.”