A large team of Korean MICE industry specialists are scheduled to join the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) stand at this year's Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME) to promote 'Korea Convention Year 2012' on the Korea stand 4700 at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre from 21-22 February.

Joining the Korea stand at AIME2012 in Melbourne are Seoul Tourism Organization, Busan Convention & Visitors Bureau, Daejeon Convention & Visitors Bureau, GumiCo, Jeju Convention & Visitors Bureau with Jeju Tourism Organization. Specialist MICE tour operators - Aju Incentive Tours, Jane Tour & DMC, Holiday Planners Co. Ltd., Redcaptour, US Tour & Travel and Wow Corea Tour will join along with The Shilla Hotel Jeju.

In order to boost the country as one of the top five convention destinations in the world, the Korean Government recently declared this year as 'Korea Convention Year 2012'.  According to the Union of International Associations (UIA), 464 conferences took place in Korea in 2010 - a remarkable 34% increase from 2009 - elevating the country to the 8th position in the world for the number of conferences hosted.  In recognition of the enormous value of the industry, the Korean government has been nurturing and fostering this sector as one of the strategic and new-growth industries.

Various programs by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the KTO in cooperation with seven MICE alliances in regional convention destinations have been planned with the goal to provide better services and support to MICE participants and organisers.

During the 'Korea Convention Year 2012' government support and incentives for events held in Korea will increase up to twofold for qualified meetings, conventions and incentive tours.  Convention centres and hotels will offer discounts on meetings venues up to 30 percent off the published rates.  Hotels will offer up to 40 percent discount on rooms, complimentary room upgrades and welcome amenities for designated guests.  Complimentary site inspection trips may also be arranged for qualifying organizations and special discounts for the organiser for the meetings and conventions as well as their participants are also available on the two flag carrier airlines - Korean Air and Asiana Airlines.  Incentives like traditional performance tickets, souvenirs, tour programs and more may also be provided for qualified events.

To qualify for the Korea Convention Year's incentive program, conventions should meet the UIA meeting standards while incentive tours and corporate meetings should have more than 100 participants.  The event, which may take place between 2012 and 2015 requires confirmation that Korea will be its host country during the year 2012.  Events with more than 500 participants from the Asian region only or those with more than 1,000 international participants may qualify for airline discounts.

For more detailed information on 'Korea Convention Year 2012' email the Korea MICE Bureau:  mice@knto.or.kr

For a free copy of 'Korea, Inspiring Meetings' or the Korea International MICE Calendar 2011-2020 email:  jenny@knto.org.au

Further information: 

Jennifer Doherty

Pr/Marketing Manager

KTO Sydney office

Email:  jenny@knto.org.au 

Phone:  +61 (0) 29252-4147/8