Key Executives from Both Companies Meet to Expand Exchange and Cooperation
Tourist Numbers Expected to Rise if Visa-Free Entry Is Allowed in Q3
The Shilla Duty Free, operated by Hotel Shilla, announced on the 18th that it will collaborate with China Tourism Group (CTG).
Shilla Duty Free stated that on June 19, it will expand cooperation and exchanges for global duty-free market revitalization with the management of China Tourism Group at the Shilla Duty Free Seoul store located in Jangchung-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul.
In 2023, the first Chinese package tour group visiting Korea stopped by the Shilla Duty Free Seoul store located in Jangchung-dong, Seoul, to take a commemorative welcome photo. Provided by Shilla Duty Free.
China Tourism Group operates a diversified business centered on its four core sectors: travel services, travel products and channels, travel resources and facilities, and travel finance. Its subsidiary, China Duty Free Group (CDFG), founded in 1984, is the world’s largest duty-free company.
The meeting will be attended by key executives from both companies, including Liu Kun, Vice President of China Tourism Group; Zhang Lijun, Deputy General Manager; You Cheng, Head of Research; Wang Yanguang, Deputy General Manager; as well as Kim Junhwan, Executive Vice President and Head of TR Division at Hotel Shilla; Kim Boyeon, Senior Vice President and Head of TR Division Marketing Team; and Yoon Jaepil, Senior Vice President and Head of Domestic Sales Team in the TR Division.
This exchange is aimed at fostering cooperation for global duty-free market revitalization. The China Tourism Group executives will tour the Shilla Duty Free Seoul store and discuss duty-free store operation experiences and potential collaboration between the two companies.
Currently, Shilla Duty Free is focusing on attracting Chinese group tourists. If visa-free entry for Chinese group tourists is allowed starting from the third quarter of this year, the number of Chinese visitors to Korea is expected to increase. In fact, since the Chinese government expanded visa exemptions at the end of 2023, the number of foreigners visiting China has risen significantly.
According to data from the National Immigration Administration of China, the number of foreigners entering China visa-free in 2024 reached 20,115,000, an increase of 112.3% compared to 2023. China also implemented a visa exemption policy for Korea starting in November last year.
Through collaboration with local Chinese travel agencies, Shilla Duty Free is attracting MICE and incentive groups by offering a variety of services, including: broadcasting welcome events on the VOID LED large display; providing welcome gifts such as Gold Passes; organizing group events and offering exhibition spaces; expanding merchandise focused on brands favored by Chinese customers; and delivering customized content through local offices in China. The company is also actively planning marketing to attract large group customers, such as K-POP fan meetings. In addition, Shilla Duty Free is developing and promoting linked products suitable for day tours and small-scale independent travelers.
In April, Shilla Duty Free appointed Jinyoung, formerly of B1A4, who is actively engaged in global activities centered on the Greater China region, as its promotional model. A representative from Shilla Duty Free stated, "By reorganizing the shopping environment exclusively for group tourists and establishing specialized programs, we are solidifying our role as a hub for group tourists at downtown duty-free stores," adding, "With the expected increase in inbound tourists starting from the third quarter, we will further strengthen our marketing activities."
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