KOREA
KOREA Top Selling Tips...
• Size matters... “Korea is small enough to be visited in a limited amount of time but can be easily combined with other destinations such as Hong Kong or Japan”
HANNAH BUSBY Cox & Kings
• In the thick of it... “Location is important when staying in Seoul. The Somerset Palace hotel is strategically located in the Gangbuk district of downtown Seoul, close to many restaurants, shopping and entertainment venues”
MALCOLM DAVIES Funway Holidays
• Eat like a local... “Encourage clients to try traditional Korean cuisine such as kimchi and bibimbap, or even book them a cooking course”
ANDY HOSKINS Writer
• Spring blooms... “One of the best times to visit is in Spring – from April to May – to see the beautiful cherry blossoms in full bloom”
MALCOLM DAVIES Funway Holidays
plus cruise and rail holidays, as well as highlighting the rise of ‘K Pop’, a youth subculture embracing music, film and fashion. Sports tourism also remains a draw with many operators building itineraries around the Formula One Grand Prix in Yeongam this October. As the Visit Korea 2012 year draws to a close, the nation’s good performance at the Olympics in London this summer will also have heartened the KTO. It ran a number of promotions around the games including an advertising campaign on the London Underground. Taekwondo was highlighted as Korea’s national sport and the Royal Thames Yacht Club was taken over as the nation’s hospitality and cultural centre during the Games. Pyeongchang’s newly-appointed role as
host region for the 2018 Winter Olympic Games was also part of the message. Investment in hotel infrastructure in Hangwon-do province ahead of the Games should help South Korea cement its place as a year-round destination with first class winter sports facilities.
What’s New Korean Air launched direct flights from London-Gatwick to Seoul in April. The three-times-weekly operation is in addition to its daily service from London Heathrow to Seoul. The Gatwick service is served by a Boeing 777 featuring economy, business and first class cabins. British Airways will start flying to Seoul from December 2, 14 years after axing the service. The six-times-weekly service will be flown by a Boeing 777 with economy, business and first class cabins. Fares from Heathrow start from £798 return.
Tourism Talk
MR HONGKI KIM Director, Korea Tourism Organisation, London “BA’s decision to fly to
Seoul reflects the continuing popularity of Korea as a business and leisure destination. Visitor figures to Korea from the UK have been rising steadily in recent years and to have greater choice for the consumer on the London to Seoul route will enhance the destination’s
appeal and create new partnerships with the travel trade. We find there
60 September 2012 •
www.sellinglonghaul.com
is a fairly well-trodden path for visitors, starting in Seoul, and then moving onto the former Silla dynasty capital of Gyeongju, Andong – famous for the Andong Mask Dance Festival – and Busan, before flying or sailing to Jeju Island. The western coast is becoming more popular because of the Formula One Grand Prix, the Boryeong Mud Festival and the less well trodden islands that are part of traditional Korean life.”
From The Front Line HANNAH BUSBY
Far East Sales Team Leader Cox & Kings “South Korea combines a
fascinating cultural history with a 'cool' and very modern present focussed on technology, fashion and music. It is small enough to be visited in a limited amount of time but can easily be combined with other destinations such as Hong Kong or Japan. The destination is selling well for us and we are seeing an increase in interest for our private tour and tailor- made holidays. Clients are requesting it as a destination in itself but a popular combination is a twin-centre with Japan.”
ANDREA GODFREY Product Manager Regent Holidays “Most of the enquiries
we get for South Korea at the moment are from clients wanting to combine the North and South, as we are very much specialists in North Korea. We are hoping that the new flights will help increase awareness of South Korea and, in turn, increase the number of visitors we send to this fascinating country.”
MALCOLM DAVIES Product Manager Funway Holidays “The type of clientele
who would be attracted to Korea are normally experienced Asia travellers who are looking for a destination more 'off the beaten track'. Visitors can experience unique Korean food, fascinating attractions and ancient culture such as the many fabulous temple complexes right in the heart of Seoul, set against the backdrop of an ultra modern city. Our Seoul City stays are currently very popular.”
ANDREA LODDO Head of Product Hayes & Jarvis “Our introduction of
South Korea has been prompted by a growing number of enquiries about the destination. We believe the best way to present South Korea is to package its diverse cultural highlights into an escorted tour, giving clients the reassurance of expert know-how and the security of a supervised holiday. We know that this type of holiday appeals to older couples – empty nesters with time on their hands and an enthusiasm to extend their knowledge of other cultures. We expect strong demand for the eight-day tour that we are offering.”
Where To Book It REGENT HOLIDAYS – 0117 921 1711
www.regent-holidays.co.uk The Classic South Korea group tour is one of the company’s best sellers. It is currently offering savings of £255pp, bringing the price down to £1,595pp based on two sharing four/five-star accommodation, but not including international flights.
COX & KINGS – 020 7873 5020
www.coxandkings.co.uk The Wonders of South Korea private tour begins in Seoul and travels through rural Songnisan and Gyeongju. For 2013, an additional night is included in Seoul to allow for an optional visit to the DMZ and Panmujom. The eight-night itinerary is from £2,959pp with Korean Air flights.
FUNWAY – 0844 557 0649
www.funway4agents.co.uk Funway offers three nights at the three- star Ramada Songdo Hotel, Seoul, and flights with Etihad Airways from £775pp based on two adults sharing and travelling in June 2013.
HAYES & JARVIS – 0871 200 2211
www.hayesandjarvis.com/agents Has an eight-day Highlights of South Korea cultural tour, priced from £2,099pp for a November 28 2012 d departure flying with KLM. •
Korea choice! Learn more here...
©KTO
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92