Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) hosted a one day experiential event – “Korea MICE Experience Day 2021” at Pullman Aerocity on 10th December2021, targeting the Indian travel trade to update on its latest MICE destination offerings. While the pandemic restrictions have yet not been lifted for India by South Korea, the event was intended to prepare the travel agents for the re-opening of the destination in the near future.

Opening Remarks by KTO Director, Mr. Young-geul Choi 


Special address by Korean Air

While South Korea is preparing to open for travel soon, the current roadshow was held as the first physical event in a hybrid format, which KTO had organized post COVID-19 pandemic. The event began with the virtual address by Mr. Sangho Moon, Director from the MICE Marketing Team at KTO head office followed by opening remarks by Mr. Y.G. Choi, Director at KTO New Delhi. The special addresses to the event were given by Mr. Chan Kim, General Manager at Korean Air and Mr. Guldeep Singh Sahani, former president of OTOAI and supporter of KTO.

Special address by OTOAI 

South Korea was presented in a new light for MICE travel. The latest support program and unique experiences for MICE events were introduced to the trade partners. The event was organized in association with OTOAI (Outbound Tour Operators of India) for its active members and close travel trade and media partners of KTO.

Dalgona Challenge 

X-O Quiz 

A live virtual tour of Gyeongbuk Palace (iconic landmark in Seoul, South Korea) was arranged for attendees followed by three exciting engagement activities – Hanbok (Korean traditional dress) wearing experience, Korea MICE (X O) Quiz and Dalgona Cookie Challenge (From the K-Drama fame –The Squid Game).

Online B2B Meetings 

To make the event meaningful for business purpose, hybrid B2B meetings were set up with 11 Destination management companies. 3 DMCs were present physically, while others connected virtually with the travel agents.

KTO is looking forward to sign MOU with companies who confirm their interest in sending MICE groups to South Korea by 2023. These companies will be eligible for exclusive and additional support or incentives by KTO when travel formally resumes.

Commenting on the current event Mr. Y.G. Choi, Director KTO New Delhi said, “Even though the COIVD-19 situation is not fully resolved globally, I am confident that the worst is already over. Our Outbound travel industry will be back on track very soon. We wanted to show a New South Korea to our trade partners especially for MICE groups, so we planned this as our final event of the year for the travel industry, to show how optimistic we are for the coming year”.

KTO will be mainly targeting the Luxury travelers, SIT segment and K-pop, K-Drama fans next year. In the current year, KTO has reached PAN India travel trade partners and consumers through a series of online and offline initiatives under the umbrella of the mega event “KXperience”. With this event KTO closed its KXperience series for 2021, where it catered its B2B partners.