Standing Out in the Global Map
The small island is hoping it will no longer be a resort for tourists only. Korea’s southern resort island of Jeju is now emerging as a popular destination for commercial meetings and corporate programs. Holding a wide range of international gatherings, Jeju has started marking its existence on the global map.
Over the last several years Jeju has been making efforts to promote itself overseas. By improving its infrastructure it has transformed into a perfect place for both business and leisure. Recognized as an attractive MICE, which stands for meeting, incentive, convention, and exhibition. destination the island is ambitiously developing new hotels, convention centers and strategically prepared tourism organization.
With the ambition to become Asia’s most popular spot for cooperate meetings it is hoping the central government will allow a larger budget for expansion for lodging and tourism infrastructures. Currently the island is operated by a self-governing provincial government and it is welcoming the private sectors to encourage investment and new businesses.
To become a highly competitive MICE destination Jeju Island is looking forward to building multinational resort and hotel chains. When compared to a country like Singapore, Jeju still has a long way to go. The island has yet to be equipped with a wide range of leisure infrastructures such as casinos and theme parks. Furthermore, there aren’t large convention facilities to invite international conventions. Despite the negatives, Jeju is attracting more people every year. One of the major concerns is that soon enough Jeju International Airport 제주국제공항 will reach a saturation point. At the current pace of tourists arriving in the airport, it is highly necessary for another airport to start accommodating the rapidly growing number of tourists. Sadly all these are impossible without active financial assistance from the central government.
Local airlines can give their part by increasing the number of flights connecting Jeju with both domestic and international cities. They can also start operating larger airplanes to carry more visitors at a time. Transforming into an Asian hub for international gatherings will require many steps. However, it appears the island’s natural beauty has passed the first requirement. A new era has begun for the island as it hosted the 15th Inter-Island Tourism Policy Forum제15회 인터아일랜드 관광정책포럼. By welcoming nearly 200 participants from 11 nations across the globe Jeju boosted its image on the world map.
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