By Liu Jiawen, compiled and reported
South Korea is striving to develop the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions) industry and has designated next year as the “Korea MICE Tourism Year.” The government and related enterprises will strongly support MICE events held in South Korea from 2012 to 2015, offering various preferential services including discounted traditional performance tickets, 30% off on rental fees for event spaces at convention centers and hotels, and up to 40% off on hotel accommodations.
Next year is South Korea’s MICE Tourism Year, encouraging companies from around the world to hold conferences and incentive trips in Korea. (Image provided by the Korea Tourism Organization)
Additionally, nine MICE tourism zones in locations such as Seoul, Jeju, Busan, and Incheon will also provide region-specific services and support policies. These include 30% discounts on rental fees for event spaces at convention centers and hotels, 40% off on hotel stays, complimentary room upgrades, and free access to various hotel facilities. Korean Air and Asiana Airlines will also offer discounts for organizers and participants of corporate meetings, international conferences, and incentive trips—provided that events in Asia have over 500 foreign attendees and global events have more than 1,000 foreign attendees.
Busan’s BEXCO is a venue for hosting large-scale exhibitions and conferences. (Image provided by the Korea Tourism Organization)
To qualify for the “2012 Korea MICE Tourism Year” promotions, events must meet the standards of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA)—such as international conferences—or involve corporate meetings and incentive trips with more than 100 participants. Eligible groups are those that have confirmed or plan to hold events in South Korea in 2012 or between 2012 and 2015.