Korea Tourism Organization is preparing to exhibit at PAICE2014 (Pacific Area Incentives & Conferences Expo 2014) to be held at SKYCITY Auckland Convention Centre on Wednesday, 19 November, 2014.

Buyers will be able to meet with Korea Tourism Organization to learn more about Korea and what it has to offer convention and incentive travellers to the country.

Interest in Korea as a MICE destination has never been greater with Korea successfully established as a world-class destination for meetings and events, coming in 2nd place behind Singapore in the Asia rankings.

According to the annual statistics of UIA, there was a total of 11,135 international meetings held worldwide (10,498 conferences in 2012) where Korea came in 3rd place with 635 meetings, increasing its global market share from 5.4 to 6 percent. Korea moved up two places where the country was previously ranked 5th place (563 meetings) in 2012, 6th place in 2011 (469 meetings) and 8th place in 2010 (465 meetings).

By city, Seoul captured 4th place behind Singapore (ranked 1st with 994 meetings, Brussels (ranked 2nd with 436 meetings) and Vienna (rank 3rd with 318 meetings). Seoul's ranking moved up one place, with the city shown to have hosted a total of 242 international congresses held in 2013 as determined by UIA criteria. Seoul is ranked 2nd within Asia and Busan came in 9th place, entering the top 10 list for the first time.

Min Min-Hong, the head of Korea Tourism Organization MICE Bureau stated that the achieved success was created by focusing on activities of attracting through strong co-operation and support from regional convention bureaus and the Korea MICE Alliance.

In addition, the government's continuous policy support after the enactment of the 'International Conference Industry Promotion Act' in 1996 has made a positive impact towards the outcome. According to Mr. Min, the MICE industry, a high value-added industry which plays an important role in the nation's economy will ensure continued growth by increasing its competitiveness and enhance global market share through the expanding Korea MICE market.

For more information on Korea's MICE Industry the following site is most useful.

www.koreaconvention.org

Dated: 22 October, 2014

Further information: Jennifer Doherty, Pr/Marketing Manager, Korea Tourism Org. Sydney

Email: jenny@knto.org.au Ph; 02)9252-4147/8