Strategic Initiatives Aimed at Showcasing Seoul's Unique Attractions to International Visitors

Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government

Officials from overseas travel agencies representing five countries — China, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines — visited Seoul from April 29 to May 2 as part of an initiative by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Seoul Tourism Organization.

The visit aimed to foster B2B partnerships and explore potential tourism products tailored to younger generations. Since 2016, Seoul has signed business agreements with 45 travel agencies from 22 countries, including key markets like China, Japan, and Southeast Asia, as well as emerging regions such as Europe, the United States, and the Middle East.
 

The recent tour focused on key locales popular among the influential 20s and 30s demographic, including Seongsu-dong in Seongdong District and Yongsan. Participants also visited the Seoul Hiking Tourism Center near Mount Bugak and attended Seoul Festa 2024, one of the city’s spring festivals. 

▲ Officials from overseas travel agencies pose in front of the Seoul Hiking Tourism Center in Jongno District, Seoul, during their visit to Seoul from April 29 to May 2 / Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan GovernmentThe Seoul Hiking Tourism Center offers comprehensive hiking tour information in multiple languages and rental services for hiking gear, catering to both local and international tourists.

Seoul Festa 2024, held from May 1 to Monday, showcased Korean culture across diverse realms such as beauty, fashion, K-pop, gastronomy, and art.

Following the tour, travel agency representatives exchanged insights on emerging tourism trends and suggested enhancements for Seoul's tourism infrastructure, including the installation of information signs at tourist spots with numerous alleys and increasing the number of trash cans for a cleaner tourism experience.

Kim Young-hwan, the director general of the Tourism and Sports Bureau at the Seoul Metropolitan Government, emphasized ongoing collaboration with international travel agencies to develop distinctive tourism offerings in Seoul.

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Blue YIM, yimyoungseo1010@naver.com