ITB Asia news 2024 - Day 1

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I REGION I ASIA I ADVERTORIAL Busan: A leading MICE destination at ITB Asia 2024 With specialised convention centres and a strong network of suppliers, as well as beautiful beaches and a vast hotel offering, Busan, South Korea has become a top hub for meetings, incentives, conferencing, and MICE travel. A prominent destination in Asia for MICE events, Busan has already hosted numerous prestigious international conferences. Boasting an excellent infrastructure and a strong network of MICE industry providers, in addition to a pleasant environment for guests, Busan prides itself on its specialised convention centres like BEXCO, along with its 83 hotels, and unique venues that capture the city’s regional charm. In addition to the city’s attributes, Busan also counts on the Busan MICE Alliance (BMA), grouping the city’s convention centres, hotels, and travel agencies, and supporting events through active communication to promote MICE development in Busan. Another of the city’s attractive features for MICE travel is Gimhae Airport. Having completed its international terminal expansion, the airport is preparing to launch new long-distance routes to major cities worldwide. Currently, 38 international routes to 11 countries operate weekly from the airport while direct flights to Bali and Jakarta are expected by the end of this year. Travellers arriving from Seoul can reach the city in just 50 minutes by plane or 2 hours and 10 minutes by Korea Train eXpress (KTX) STAND J 05 Busan’s appeal has been proven by its Trip.com ranking as the secondfastest-growing travel destination worldwide in 2023 and its position among The New York Times’ top five cities with beautiful beaches for 2024. 14 ITB ASIA NEWS • WEDNESDAY 23 OCTOBER 2024 itb-asia-news.com

I REGION I ASIA I ADVERTORIAL In addition to its Silla heritage, Gyeongju also embraces the legacy of the Joseon Dynasty (1392 – 1910). The Gyeongju National Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into both the Silla and Joseon periods while the historic Yangdong Folk Village showcases traditional Joseon architecture. Gyeongju – The epitome of Korean culture and history in the spotlight at ITB Asia 2024 Gyeongju, with it blend of history and natural beauty is not only a cornerstone of Korea's cultural heritage, but thanks to its modern amenities, the city has also become a prime location for business events. The culmination of Gyeongju's recognition as a meeting destination is its selection as the host city for the 2025 APEC Summit. The ancient capital of the Silla Dynasty (57 BC – AD 935), Gyeongju is a city where history, culture, and nature seamlessly come together. Gyeongju boasts a wealth of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the majestic Bulguksa Temple and the iconic Seokguram Grotto. Visitors can explore the royal tombs at Daereungwon, stroll through the serene Donggung Palace, and experience one of the world’s oldest astronomical observatories, Cheomseongdae. Sarawak “uniquely positioned” to meet the demands of today's travellers Gyeongju unites these historical treasures with modern capabilities. The Gyeongju Hwabaek International Convention Center (HICO) boasts state-of-the-art amenities, making it an ideal venue for large-scale events. Another strength of the city as a business destination is its strategic location near Korea’s major industrial powerhouses, Ulsan and Pohang. In recognition of its huge potential, Gyeongju will host the prestigious 2025 APEC Summit. Gyeongju is also a perfect destination for adventure travel. Gyeongju World Amusement Park and the nearby Bomun Lake Resort offer activities for families and groups. Mount Namsan and Gyeongju National Park are ideal for outdoor activities while Gyeongju’s coastline along the East Sea offers a serene escape STAND H 031 ADVERTORIAL Airlines and the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Singapore (STATOS), establishing direct flights between Singapore and key destinations in Sarawak. Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor CEO, Sarawak Tourism Board ITB Asia News spoke with Sarawak Tourism Board CEO Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor about the increasing popularity of the Malaysian state’s unique tourism offerings and new developments such as Niah Caves National Park’s recent designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Can you share the most recent visitor statistics for Sarawak? Sarawak has seen remarkable growth in visitor numbers, recording 3.6 million visitors as of September 2024, surpassing the total visitors from pre- COVID-19 levels. This significant recovery is driven by the appeal of Sarawak’s unique tourism offerings built around Culture, Adventure, Nature, Food, and Festivals (CANFF). Sarawak’s diverse cultural heritage, rich natural landscapes, and vibrant festivals have particularly resonated with travellers from ASEAN and Europe. What new developments is the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) showcasing at ITB Asia this year? A key highlight is the recent recognition of the Niah Caves National Park as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This renowned site, home to one of the world’s oldest human settlements, continues to draw global attention for its historical and cultural value. In line with our sustainability efforts, Sarawak is also leaning towards promoting eco-friendly city tours. Additionally, we have just formalised a strategic collaboration with Scoot Continuing our focus on food, we will further promote Sarawak’s rich culinary heritage, inviting travellers to indulge in authentic local flavours. Kuching's designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy further elevates Sarawak's food scene. How do these offerings cater to evolving traveller interests? Today's travellers seek meaningful, sustainable, and immersive experiences, and Sarawak is uniquely positioned to meet these demands. The state's focus on ecotourism, adventure, and cultural authenticity provides the perfect backdrop for those looking for authentic and responsible travel STAND C 05 ITB ASIA NEWS • WEDNESDAY 23 OCTOBER 2024 15