HanaTour ITC Leads the Resumption of Inbound Tourism with MICE Events

"Resumption of Foreign Group Tours Centered on MICE After COVID-19"

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] Recently, with the lifting of quarantine requirements for overseas arrivals and the expansion of regular international flights, group tours for foreign visitors to Korea are accelerating their resumption, centered around MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) events.

On the 14th, Hanatour ITC announced that while the inbound (foreigners traveling domestically) market before COVID-19 mainly consisted of package tours from China and Southeast Asia, recently inquiries and bookings for MICE events have taken up a large portion, especially from Europe and the Americas.

MICE events are organized for the purpose of participating in international academic conferences held domestically or visiting Korean companies.

According to Hanatour ITC data, the first event after the COVID-19 pandemic was an 18-member team from Indonesia attending the 15th World Forestry Congress in April. In May, Hanatour ITC was selected as the official accommodation agency for the 2022 World Gas Conference, handling accommodation bookings for 1,060 people.

Recently, a French company event with 270 participants who arrived in Korea on the 12th is underway. They will stay in Korea until the 18th, visiting Namsan Seoul Tower, Bukchon Hanok Village, Noryangjin Fish Market, enjoying dinner at Hangang Park, trekking at Bukhansan, and traveling to Gyeongju by KTX.

Additionally, through various themed activities such as history and tradition, arts, cooking classes, Taekwondo, and PC bang gaming, they directly experience Korean culture. Furthermore, a MICE event with 155 participants from a Norwegian company is scheduled.

A Hanatour ITC official stated, "With the easing of entry and exit quarantine regulations, interest in MICE events is increasing from regions such as Europe and Southeast Asia," adding, "In preparation for the revitalization of package tours following this trend, we are commercializing various domestic travel contents."