DUBAI – Korea Tourism Organisation (KTO) has partnered travel search provider Wego to grow visitor arrivals from the Gulf countries.
South Korea has been seeking to grow arrivals from GCC countries through visa initiatives such as visa-free arrival for 30 to 90 days.
With the increased frequency of flight services and luxurious cruise ships, the influx of travelers from Gulf and the Middle East have continued to surge,– KTO’s regional director, Kang Kyoosang
The initiatives have contributed to Korea’s total of 12.4 million tourists in 2018, which increased by 15.1% in 2019.
In recent years, KTO has made efforts to raise awareness of the South Korea’s Muslim-friendly offerings for travellers. It has made initiatives such as the Halal restaurant week an annual fixture to promote the country’s Muslim friendly restaurants to tourists.
The event, held every year from September to October, features over 150 Muslim-friendly restaurants across the country with information on Korean halal food and discounts.
“With the increased frequency of flight services and luxurious cruise ships, the influx of travelers from Gulf and the Middle East have continued to surge,” said KTO’s regional director Kang Kyoosang.
“Arrivals from the Gulf have been witnessing a steady growth year on year. Korea received 25,129 Gulf nationals until the end of August 2019, an increase of 21.5% compared to the same period in 2018,” he said.
“Searches on our platform to South Korea have increased by 16 % YoY,” said Mamoun Hmedan, Managing Director, MENA and India, Wego.
Boasting 14 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, tourists are exploring South Korea’s lesser-travelled islands like Jeju and Busan, the second largest city in south Korea.
A new point of interest for young travellers seeking “Instagram-worthy” experiences is the Oryukdo Skywalk, a glass bridge protruding from the cliff overlooking the panoramic vistas of the sea, in Busan.
Other popular experiences include visiting traditional bathhouses called “jjimjilbang” and staying at traditional Korean Hanok guesthouses.