Thursday, May 30, 2024 Busan, Korea’s largest port city, is set to transform its status as a prime destination for international meetings and events. With a new airport scheduled to open in five years, the city aims to significantly boost its MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions) tourism, impacting travelers and tourism businesses alike. Key Conferences: Busan will host the fifth and final meeting of the United Nations Environment Programme’s Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on plastic pollution from November 25 to December 1.
This event is expected to draw around 3,000 participants from 170 countries to the city’s Bexco convention center. Prior to this, the Singapore Herbalife reward tourism event, slated for October 7 to 13, will also welcome 3,000 attendees from 13 countries. Haevenue MICE Zone: Central to Busan’s MICE strategy is the Haevenue zone, established in 2020 in the Haeundae District.
This area, encompassing facilities such as hotels and department stores within five kilometers of Bexco, aims to provide comprehensive support for MICE tourists. Bexco itself features two exhibition centers, with a third one planned to open by 2028, funded by a city budget allocation of 201.7 billion won ($147.
8 million). Unique Venues: Beyond conventional MICE venues, Busan is incorporating unique locations such as large cafes and leisure facilities to host international events. Examples include Busan X the Sky observatory and P.
ark, a multicultur.
