More Asian countries are going full speed ahead with its tourism recovery after dropping more Covid-19 restrictions. While destinations such as Singapore and Jeju have always enjoyed immense admiration from travellers for their scenery and myriad of activities, they are not resting on their laurels.
On Friday, 14 October, delegates from the Jeju Tourism Association (JTA) descended into Singapore to sign a memorandum of understanding with the National Association of Travel Agents Singapore (NATAS) in a bid to accelerate the tourism exchange and the marketing activation between the two organisations, and in turn, drive more tourists to both Jeju and Singapore.
When JTA’s president Boo Dong Seok and NATAS’s president Steven Ler inked their signatures to the MoU, it marked the start of the collaborative enhancement and cooperation between NATAS and JTA.
From left: JTA’s Boo Dong Seok and NATAS’s Steven Ler Photo Credit: Cheryl Teo
“After the outbreak of Covid-19, the global tourism industry encountered countless difficulties and faced a desperate crisis with no precedence,” Boo said. “Thankfully as all countries have collaborated and calmed down the situation, we find it truly meaningful to sign the MoU with NATAS and a vital time to discuss market diversification.”
“Through this agreement, we hope it becomes the new starting point to enhance the tourism exchange between the two regions and improvement to the product development for tourists based on mutual trust and cooperation,” Boo added.
According to Boo, Singapore is a very popular destination for Korean travellers of all demographics due to the country’s polished appearance, diverse entertainment options and travel convenience.
Singaporean travellers also share similar sentiments to those of their Korean counterparts. Ler shared that with the ease of Covid-19 restrictions in Korea, the interest in travelling to Korea continues to grow, specifically for Jeju that boasts a “rich culture that attracts many tourists”.
Ler further went on to reference Jeju’s many gems such as its “serene beaches, parks, historical places and UNESCO-listed sites”, alongside its picturesque scenery that have been the setting for multiple K-dramas.
“With today's MOU signing, we look forward to working closely with JTA to promote Jeju as a travel destination for Singaporeans. Fostering trust, friendship and close collaboration between NATAS and JTA, I'm excited for a successful partnership,” Ler concluded.
Visiting Singapore and Jeju has also been made more convenient, with both destinations just a hop and a skip away via Scoot that operates five direct six-hour flights every week, on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.