When Tour Buses Move, Regions Thrive... The Power of On-Site Networks Confirmed in Andong

Connected Bridge National Tourism Association Holds Successful General Meeting
600 Members Gather, Signaling a New Era for Group Tourism in Andong

The nation's largest private tourism network gathered in Andong, confirming the real potential for revitalizing local tourism.

The city of Andong announced that it successfully held the 12th Regular General Meeting of the Connected Bridge National Tourism Association on January 7 at the Grand Conference Hall of the Andong International Convention Center.

The 2026 Annual General Meeting of the Yeonyukgyo Tourism Association Successfully Held at Andong International Convention Center

More than 600 members, including restaurant owners and tour bus drivers from 14 regional branches across the country, attended the meeting.

Going beyond a simple annual event, the meeting served as a venue for key players who directly influence the flow of tourism consumption to gather in one place, experience Andong's tourism resources firsthand, and discuss strategies for mutual growth.

The Connected Bridge National Tourism Association is the largest private tourism network in Korea, with approximately 6,000 participants, mainly tour bus operators and merchants.

The association explained that Andong was strategically chosen as the venue for this year's meeting to intensively promote Andong-renowned for its tradition, culture, and experiential tourism content-to tourism professionals nationwide and to proactively generate group tourism demand for 2026.

During the event, Lee Youngsik, Director of Tourism and Culture at Andong City, delivered a welcoming speech highlighting the competitiveness of Andong tourism, which boasts UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Hahoe Village, Bongjeongsa Temple, and Dosan Seowon. He emphasized, "As those at the forefront of the tourism industry nationwide, we ask you to widely share the charm and flavors of Andong."

Andong City plans to use this regular general meeting as an opportunity to further strengthen its nationwide promotional network and actively attract group tours based on tour buses. The strategy is to establish a virtuous cycle connecting local food services, accommodation, and experiential tourism, thereby simultaneously increasing small business income and expanding stay-type tourism.

An official from Andong City stated, "Tour bus drivers and merchants are the key players who determine the direction of tourism consumption," adding, "This general meeting will serve as a turning point for Andong tourism to become a natural topic of conversation throughout the country."