South Korea Tailors Tourism Packages for Chinese Visitors, Aiming for Record Numbers
Seoul, August 25, 2024 -The South Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) has announced the selection of 16 curated tourism packages specifically designed to attract Chinese visitors.The initiative, launched in collaboration with the Korea Tourism Association, seeks to capitalize on the surging number of Chinese tourists returning to South Korea after a pandemic-induced lull.
The selected packages, chosen from submissions by travel agencies specializing in Chinese group tours, cater to diverse interests. They are categorized into five themes:
- Culture (5 packages): These packages offer experiences like exploring the trendy cafesof Seoul’s Seongsu-dong district, indulging in beauty treatments, and visiting filming locations of popular Korean dramas such as Tears of the Queen.
- Leisure and Sports (3 packages): These packages provide opportunities toenjoy South Korea’s vibrant sporting scene, including attending live sporting events.
- Safety and Peace (2 packages): These packages focus on historical and cultural sites related to the Korean War and the country’s pursuit of peace.
- Healing and Relaxation (3 packages): These packages emphasize wellnessand rejuvenation, offering experiences like exploring serene natural landscapes and enjoying traditional Korean spa treatments.
- Local Specialties (3 packages): These packages highlight the unique cultural and culinary experiences of different regions, including visits to traditional markets and local food festivals.
The MCST plans to provide marketing and promotional support to the selectedpackages. This includes funding for marketing campaigns and collaborations with Chinese online travel platforms to reach a wider audience.
The initiative comes at a time when South Korea is experiencing a significant rebound in Chinese tourism. The number of Chinese visitors in the first half of 2024 surpassed the total for the entire year of2023. The number of Chinese tourists is expected to exceed 3 million in August alone.
The resurgence in Chinese tourism is attributed to the easing of pandemic-related travel restrictions and the growing popularity of South Korea as a travel destination. The number of group tours, which had significantly declined during thepandemic, is also seeing a resurgence, rising from 8.6% of all Chinese visitors in the second half of 2023 to 25% in the first half of 2024.
This trend is further fueled by the high spending power of Chinese tourists. In 2023, the average spending per Chinese visitor in South Korea was $2,324, with a significant portion allocated to food (72.3%) and shopping (69.2%).
The MCST’s initiative to curate tourism packages specifically for Chinese visitors demonstrates the government’s commitment to attractingthis lucrative market. The tailored offerings, combined with the ongoing promotional efforts, are expected to further boost the tourism industry and contribute to South Korea’s economic growth.
The initiative is expected to have a significant impact on the South Korean economy, particularly in the tourism sector. It is likely to lead to:
- Increased revenue for travel agencies and businesses catering to tourists.
- Job creation in the tourism industry.
- Economic growth in regions that are popular tourist destinations.
- Enhanced cultural exchange between South Korea and China.
The success of the initiative will depend on factors such as the quality ofthe tourism packages, the effectiveness of marketing efforts, and the overall travel environment in South Korea. However, the government’s proactive approach and the strong demand from Chinese tourists suggest that the initiative has the potential to significantly contribute to South Korea’s economic recovery and further strengthen its ties with China.
【来源】https://cn.yna.co.kr/view/ACK20240825000100881?section=china-relationship/index&input=rss
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