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UPDATE: Jeju Air offices and Muan International Airport raided by SoKor authorities
(Current as of 3:41pm, BKK time) South Korean authorities are presently conducting search-and-seizure operations to aid the ongoing investigation into the deadly Jeju Air crash on Sunday, 29th December. Following the issuance of a search warrant, police operatives raided Jeju Air’s corporate office in Seoul as well as its satellite offices in other locations within the country. Certain areas of the Muan International Airport on whose runway the crash occurred were also raided, and Jeju Air records at the said airport have been taken in for further study. Aside from local law enforcement, investigators include representatives from the United States and aircraft manufacturer Boeing. As of press time, several airline executives have already been charged with professional negligence resulting in death, as only two out of the 181 people on board survived the crash. Foreign expert weighs in Called in to offer his opinion, Australian aviation expert Ron Bartsch questioned the possibility of bird strike being the only reason behind the crash, warning that something more sinister could be at its root, though this remains speculative. Bartsch said: “I suspect that the initial reports that have indicated that bird strike or weather may have been a contributing factor. But, to me, that’s pretty unlikely that a bird strike alone would be sufficient to bring down an aircraft or to foresee landing gear not being able to be operative.” The expert pointed out how the pilot would have known about the high risk of landing without reverse thrust or flaps available to slow the aircraft down. According to current information, the plane also made 13 flights within 48 hours prior to the tragedy, and all of its three landing gears malfunctioned on Sunday. Turning up no issues It should be noted, however, that no issues were said to have been found during the standard pre-flight inspection on the plane before it took off from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport. Jeju Air chief executive Kim Yi-bae alleges that there were no specific or unusual issues during the maintenance process of the aircraft prior to Sunday’s disaster, adding that if the maintenance team didn’t sign off on its safety, it would not have been cleared for takeoff. He also said that Jeju Air pilots are trained to regulation standards, and that the company had two full flight simulators. Kim added: “As for whether the landing gear functioned properly, that is directly related to the accident investigation, and we are not in a position to know at this time.”
UPDATE: Jeju Air to face extensive investigation, share prices drop in wake of crash
Aviation policy chief Joo Jong-wan addresses reporters at today's press conference (Photo: Yonhap News) (Current as of 10:07am, BKK time) The South Korean government held a press briefing at 9:30am, BKK time, today, 30th December, announcing the pending investigation into the safety practices of low-cost carrier Jeju Air following the deadly crash yesterday, 29th December, at Muan International Airport. Speaking to members of the media at the nearby Sejong Government Complex, aviation policy chief Joo Jong-wan of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport declared: "We plan to implement rigorous aviation safety inspections in response to the landing gear incidents." Jeju Air 7C2216 veered off the runway while belly-landing and collided with a fence at Muan International Airport in Muan County, about 290 kilometers southwest of Seoul. So far, it has been discovered that a second Jeju Air flight, this one flying in from Gimpo International Airport yesterday, also needed to return mid-flight due to a similar issue regarding its landing gear. The aircraft was of the same make as the one involved in the accident: a Boeing B737-800. Joo also pointed out another possible reason for the crash: Jeju Air’s high aircraft utilisation rate over the past several months. Government safety inspectors have already been dispatched to Muan to begin the full investigation. Fire personnel go through the damage at the crash site (Photo: Yonhap News) Repercussions As trading opened for the last Monday of 2024, Jeju Air’s share price also plummeted after the crash to their lowest ever. Jeju Air shares traded down 8.4 percent, following a drop of as much as 15.7 percent earlier in the session to 6,920 won, the lowest since they were listed in 2015. At the same time, shares of its parent company, AK Holdings, dropped by as much as 12 percent, putting their value at their lowest in nearly two decades.
BREAKING NEWS: Jeju Air crash now South Korea’s deadliest air disaster
Rescuers take part in salvage operations at Muan International Airport (Photo: Reuters) (UPDATE at 8:38pm, BKK time) South Korean authorities have confirmed that all 175 passengers and four crew members aboard Jeju Air 7C2216 perished aboard the ill-fated flight. A formal statement was issued to the public at around 7:30pm, BKK time. Of those on board, five of the casualties were children under the age of 10. Given the severity of the damage, authorities have only been able to identify 65 of the 179 casualties. Meanwhile, the two survivors are said to have sustained moderate to severe injuries from their ordeal; both are currently under treatment. National mourning South Korea's acting President Choi Sang-muk has declared a seven-day mourning period for the victims of the crash to run until Saturday, 4th January. Flags at all government offices will be flown half-mast and civil servants will wear black ribbons in solidarity with the families of the victims. The government likewise announced that it will conduct a civil investigation into the crash, calling in the United States' National Transportation Safety Board since the aircraft was designed and built there. So far, emergency teams have recovered the aircraft's flight data and cockpit voice recorders; these have been turned over to the authorities to aid in the investigation. The Jeju Air crash is now considered South Korea's deadliest aviation disaster as its death toll has now surpassed that of the Asiana Airlines crash in Mokpo in 1993 which took 60 lives. One Thai national identified 49-year-old Thai agriculturist Jongluk Doungmanee was confirmed to be one of the fatalities of the crash. Doungmanee, who was married to a South Korean national, was flying home from Thailand where she visited family for the holidays. The Udon Thani native lived in South Korea for five years and leaves a husband and two children, aged seven and 15. The identity of the other Thai national aboard the flight has yet to be disclosed as of press time. ------ (2:58pm, BKK Time) South Korean authorities currently report that only two out of the 181 people aboard Jeju Air 7C2216 survived the crash at Muan International Airport earlier today, 29th December, though rescue operations are still underway as of press time. The two known survivors, both crew members found in the rear of the fallen aircraft, were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. The aircraft which was flying in from Bangkok, Thailand, crashed during an emergency landing at the airport in the South Jeolla region. The Boeing 737-800 aircraft was carrying 175 passengers and six crew members on the fatal flight. The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that two of the passengers aboard the flight were Thai nationals. So far, however, there have been no updates regarding either passenger. This is the first fatal accident for Jeju Air, a low-cost carrier that has been in operation since 2005. What caused the crash? Jeju Air Flight 2216’s last communication to the airport tower noted that the plane’s landing gear failed to deploy as it made its approach. As of the most recent updates from ground zero, authorities are still trying to determine whether this was caused by inclement weather or a bird strike, or a collision between the aircraft and one or more flying birds. What is currently known is that the aircraft sped down the runway on its belly for several minutes, eventually overshooting the Muan Airport runway. The plane then hit a ground barrier, exploding into a fireball almost on impact. As this occurred, witnesses on the ground say they heard a loud bang. The explosion is now making it harder for search-and-rescue or -retrieval teams to take bodies out of the debris, and further complicates the process of identifying individuals from the wreckage. For now, bodies are being ferried to a temporary mortuary set up on the premises and will be transferred to funeral homes once positively identified. Small chance of survival Lee Jeong-hyeon, head of the Muan Fire Department, remarked at the second press conference held this afternoon: “It is presumed that most of the 181 on board have died. It is unfortunate, but that is what we are currently seeing.” Acting South Korean President Choi Sang-mok has made his way to Muan to condole with the families of those aboard the flight, but has yet to give a statement at this time. Meanwhile, Jeju Air has issued a statement following the crash, declaring: ““First, we bow our heads in apology to everyone who has trusted Jeju Air. At approximately 9:03am on 29th December, flight 7C2216 from Bangkok to Muan caught fire while landing at Muan International Airport. Above all, we express our deepest condolences and apologies to the families of the passengers who lost their lives in this accident. At present, the cause of the accident is difficult to determine, and we must await the official investigation results from the relevant government agencies. We at Jeju Air will do everything in our power in response to this accident. We sincerely apologise for causing concern.” Boeing has likewise issued a press statement, saying: “We are in contact with Jeju Air regarding flight 2216 and stand ready to support them. We extend our deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones, and our thoughts remain with the passengers and crew.”
Alipay+ partners with Korea Easy Payment Foundation and Jeju Tourism Organization
Alipay+, a global cross-border mobile payment and digitalization technology platform operated by Ant International, today announced it signed a business agreement with the Korea Easy Payment Foundation (KEPF) and Jeju Tourism Organization (JTO). The partnership aims to significantly enhance the travel experience for international visitors exploring the iconic island destination of Jeju by providing convenient digital payment services and exclusive offers, and thus contribute to boosting the local economy. Through the agreement, users of 11 Alipay+ partner e-wallets including Alipay from the Chinese mainland, AlipayHK (Hong Kong SAR, China), MPay (Macao SAR, China), TrueMoney (Thailand), Touch 'n Go eWallet (Malaysia), OCBC Digital (Singapore), Changi Pay (Singapore), and Hipay (Mongolia), HelloMoney and GCash (The Philippines) and Tinaba (Italy) will able to enjoy exclusive offers of up to 50% off at ZeroPay merchants across Jeju Island by simply scanning the ZeroPay QR code at the merchant's counter with their home e-wallet apps. According to the Jeju Tourism Organization, 377,734 foreign tourists visited Jeju between January and March this year, up 532.5 percent from 58,609 during the same period last year. It is also the first time since February 2020 that the number of foreign tourists to Jeju has exceeded 100,000 per month for three consecutive months. About 80 percent of international travelers to Jeju came from China, followed by those from Taiwan, Singapore and Japan. "We are pleased to collaborate with KEPF and JTO to provide Alipay+ partner e-wallet users a seamless and rewarding digital payment experience during their travels to the beautiful island of Jeju," said Hyung Kwon (Danny) Chung, General Manager of Alipay+ Korea, Europe, Middle East and Mongolia at Ant International. “As the number of overseas travelers visiting Jeju is clearly on the rise, we hope this partnership contributes to a recovery in inbound tourism to Jeju and revitalize local businesses.” He added, “Alipay+ will continue to support the Jeju government's efforts to attract international tourists visiting Jeju and enhance the overall travel experience, offering the most convenient digital payment services as well as great offers.” "This agreement is geared towards boosting the spending of foreign tourists by promoting QR code-based transactions, thereby fostering economic growth in the local community. Together, we will actively promote Jeju as a premier global tourism destination," stated Koh Seung-cheol, CEO of Jeju Tourism Office. "We are pleased to enhance the payment experience for international tourists visiting Jeju Island through this tripartite business agreement. We aim to further expand our collaboration with domestic payment companies to develop a seamless payment infrastructure, integrating both domestic and international services," stated Choi Tong-joo, CEO of Korea Easy Payment Foundation. Since April 1, the Olle and Dongmun traditional markets in Jeju, which have ZeroPay merchants, have offered up to 50% off through the Alipay+ solution. During the promotion period, the number and volume of transactions using Alipay and other Alipay+ partner e-wallets at the markets has risen 403% and 509%, respectively, compared to the same period last month.
JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa debuts in South Korea with 197 keys
JW Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary hotel brands, announced the opening of JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa in Seogwipo, Jeju. Perched on a cliffside overlooking the stunning volcanic coastlines of the island, the new resort is a haven designed to let guests focus on being mindful and present, creating experiences that nourish the body and spirit while respecting and celebrating the magnificence of its natural surroundings. “We are delighted to introduce the JW Marriott brand to Jeju island, one of South Korea's most beautiful holiday destinations with its unique culture, history and traditions, as well as its spectacular UNESCO World heritage-listed natural attractions," said Bruce Rohr, Vice President and Global Brand Leader, JW Marriott. "JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa is an architectural masterpiece that exists in harmonious balance with its natural surroundings, and we are confident that this new opening will set a new benchmark for luxury resort offerings in the country." JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa is a beautiful fusion of nature and design. Its surroundings are directly connected to Route 7 of the island's famous Olle Trail, a walking path that follows the coastline for approximately 17.7 kilometers, overlooking endless stretches of blue ocean and nearby Beomseom island. Jeju island is home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Hallasan Mountain Natural Reserve, Geomunoreum Lava Tube System, Seongsan Ilchulbong Tuff Cone, and the Getbol Tidal Flats. The island is a one-hour flight from Seoul, and the resort is an hour’s drive from Jeju International Airport. A Harmonious Fusion of Nature and Architecture The resort's remarkable design is by luxury hotel designer Bill Bensley, who took inspiration from the raw natural beauty of Jeju and its farming and fishing traditions to bring the JW Marriott brand philosophy to life. The landscaping is a harmonious fusion of nature and architecture, representing a Jeju island farm complete with low lava stone walls, cabbage fields, and mustard flowers that bloom in springtime in a sea of yellow, a lucky color in Korea. Bensley used gray, black and white to represent the volcanic landscapes of Jeju, contrasting these colors with the abundant use of yellow throughout the resort. The palettes complement the exquisite hardwood furniture, creating the perfect backdrop for guests to enjoy the resort's luxury service and amenities. JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa offers 197 guest rooms including 28 Suites, all appointed in natural wood and warm tones. The standard 45-square-meter Deluxe Rooms feature separate powder rooms, and the Suites are a spacious 92 square meters. Selected rooms have large marble bathtubs for two, ideal for a relaxing soak while taking in the stunning panoramas. Nourishing Cuisine with Local Ingredients and Inspirations Guests will find balance through five carefully curated culinary experiences that are inspiring and rejuvenating. A tempting selection of dining options awaits guests at the resort, from a traditional black pork barbecue to indulgent daily brunches. With views overlooking the ocean, Island Kitchen is an all-day dining restaurant that showcases ingredients from Jeju and beyond, including yellowtail tuna, Jeju black pork, and locally produced vegetables. Its signature brunch, featuring a diverse buffet and dishes served directly to the table, is available daily from 7:00 AM to 2:30 PM to suit individual guests’ preferred schedules. Brunch starts with unlimited champagne, and premium caviar is served upon seating, complemented with coffees developed in collaboration with local roasteries. The hotel’s signature BBQ and rotisserie restaurant, The Flying Hog, features a wood-fired oven in which Jeju black pork and beef are slow-roasted to perfection. For guests who wish to explore Jeju's local dishes, Yeoumul is a Jeju-style omakase restaurant, featuring seasonal ingredients and fresh seafood harvested by the island’s local female divers called Haenyeo. The Lounge, with its resident coffee master, welcomes guests with specialty coffees and a high tea set with special savory menu items featuring locally produced lemons, carrots, and green barley from Gapado and peanuts from Udo. Outdoors on the terrace of The Lounge, "Romantic Sunset" is a relaxing space where guests can sip cocktails and be enthralled by breathtaking sunset views over the ocean. At the hotel’s poolside, Bar Botan is a place for sitting back, relaxing with a local beer, and sampling signature menu items of Lobster Tartine and Jeju Octopus & Caviar Tartine. Fostering Connections and Well-being The resort offers activities that empower guests to be fully present and foster connections that revitalize the mind, body, and spirit, focusing on the rich culture and natural beauty of Jeju to enhance the travel experience. Guests can enjoy Light Morning Walks, Morning Yoga, Pilates, Meditation Yoga, or Sound Healing sessions in spectacular settings of beauty and serenity. Special interest activities are also available for guests to fully experience the culture of Jeju, including a Jeju Tea Ceremonies, Traditional Wine Tastings, and Wine Art Classes. Inspired by the principles of mindfulness, JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa offers its signature Spa by JW with sauna facilities, and four indoor and outdoor swimming pools fed by the island’s volcanic springs. Experiences That Bring Families Together The brand's signature 'Family by JW' program organizes activities for families to create unforgettable memories together. Guests traveling with children can enjoy family-friendly facilities, including a kids' club, playground, and swimming pool. The resort also offers kids’ adventure activities, such as Jeju Forest Adventurers, where young guests can safely explore the nearby forests for outdoor fun. A Natural Photo Box activity lets guests compile photos capturing their best moments and memories of Jeju. A Picnic Rental Service is also available for families to set out and explore the natural beauty of the island. Kids can also join a Children’s Cooking Class and learn to create dishes using fresh produce harvested from the resort’s own JW Garden, a peaceful hideaway where guests can reconnect with nature through the sustainable practice of growing herbs and vegetables for culinary use. Throughout the resort, Serene Spaces provide relaxation and moments of pause that restore calm and focus to the mind and body. In a beautiful garden setting, The Choga is a reproduction of the traditional homes of Jeju, and provides a fascinating glimpse into the indigenous culture of the island. Spectacular Venues for Memorable Occasions The resort’s event spaces, equipped with the latest audio-visual technology, are ideal for extraordinary meetings, memorable social gatherings, and romantic island weddings. The Grand Ballroom accommodates up to 600 guests with 561 square meters of space, and other function rooms are customizable to suit every occasion. “JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa is setting new benchmarks in modern resort design and service with luxury amenities, signature programming, and immersive experiences that will showcase the finest of Jeju to visitors," said Douglas Kim, General Manager JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa. "We look forward to welcoming our guests to find nourishment in mind, body, and spirit in one of South Korea’s most beautiful holiday destinations.”
Scoot broadens horizons with the launch of flights to Jeju, South Korea
Scoot has launched sales of passenger services to Jeju, South Korea. Commencing 15 June 2022, the three-times weekly non-stop flight service will be Scoot’s second destination to South Korea. This is a continuation of Scoot’s commitment to providing our customers with good value, low on frills and modern travel experiences, combined with convenient connections to key cities as well as unique destinations. Dubbed the ‘Hawaii of East Asia,’ Jeju is a year-long holiday destination, with each season promising a variety of immersive experiences appealing to multigenerational travellers, adventurers, and holidaymakers alike. The largest island off the Korean peninsula, Jeju is one of the most popular vacation spots in South Korea with its unique local atmosphere, beautiful natural environment, and designated UNESCO world heritage site status, promising timeless romance in the lap of nature. Travellers can also look forward to more fuss-free travel between Singapore and Jeju, with the planned lifting of the temporary suspension of visa-free entry into Jeju for international tourists as of 1 June 2022. Promotional fares for Singapore – Jeju start from SGD300 (taxes inclusive, one way). The approximately six-hour flight service will be operated by Scoot’s Airbus A321neo aircraft, the newest aircraft type introduced to Scoot’s fleet in June 2021. The single-aisle aircraft featuring 236 seats has a longer range and sports premium black leather seats, amply sized overhead compartment bins, ambient lighting technologies that reduce jetlag, improved air quality, and reduced noise emissions. Scoot chief commercial officer, Calvin Chan, said “South Korea boasts a variety of successful cultural exports with the K-wave fandom that has turned into a worldwide phenomenon, in addition to gastronomic highlights. We are excited about the opportunity to serve demand between Singapore and Jeju, connecting customers directly to the Island, a renowned location for popular K-pop music videos and K-drama settings. The launch of our Jeju flight service is a prelude to Scoot’s celebrations as we commemorate a decade of flights this June. We have spent the last ten years defying the norms of low-cost travel, while continuing to offer our customers connectivity, flexibility, and the highest standards of safety. We look forward to continuing to support the revitalisation of international tourism, and further grow our network for essential and leisure travel.
Major movie theme park to rise in Jeju
The Korean resort island of Jeju will soon have another tourist attraction, after Lionsgate agreed to develop a major new movie theme park as part of an integrated resort. Landing International Development, which is building the Jeju Shinhwa World, has revealed that it will create Lionsgate Movie World - a 12-hectare theme park based on Lionsgate's films, which include "The Hunger Games", "The Twilight Saga" and the forthcoming Robin Hood remake, which is due for release in 2018. This will become Lionsgate's first outdoor branded theme park and marks the latest major tie-up for the Jeju Shinhwa World, following the recent announcement that Four Seasons will operate a luxury hotel within the project. "We are very excited to have the first Lionsgate Movie World at Jeju Shinhwa World bringing Hollywood movies and their immersive environments to our theme park," said Yang Zhihui, chairman & executive director of Landing International Development. "We strongly believe that Lionsgate Movie World at Jeju Shinhwa World will enhance our offerings and further strengthen Jeju Shinhwa World's market position as a desired tourist destination in Jeju." One of the zones is likely to be based on The Hunger Games Lionsgate Movie World at Jeju Shinhwa World will be the company's largest attraction to date, featuring seven movie zones each themed around a Lionsgate movie. Visitors will be able to step into movie scenes through 4D reproductions of streets and towns, along with rides and other attractions. Each zone will also feature themed restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops and performances. "We're pleased to partner with our friends at Landing International... on our first branded outdoor theme park and one of our largest and most exciting location-based entertainment destinations," said Lionsgate's CEO, Jon Feltheimer. "Our partners are creating a world-class resort that will be the perfect home for our theme park. "Driven by a valuable portfolio of intellectual property, we have built a global location-based entertainment business in just three short years, and Lionsgate Movie World promises to become one of its crown jewels," he added. Construction of the Korean Lionsgate Movie World is expected to commence in 2018, with its opening scheduled for 2019. It will form the centrepiece of Jeju Shinhwa World, which will span more than 23 hectares. As well as the Four Seasons hotel, Marriott and Somerset have also committed to the development, while other facilities will include upscale condos and villas, high-end retail outlets, a waterpark, spa, casino and a K-pop entertainment centre.
Landing Jeju Development and Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts Announce Plans for Four Seasons Resort Jeju Island at Jeju Shinhwa World, South Korea
Four Seasons debuts in Jeju Shinhwa World with the second Four Seasons in Korea TORONTO and JEJU, South Korea, Aug. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Landing Jeju Development Co., Ltd. (LJDC), a wholly owned subsidiary of Landing International Development Limited (HKSE 582) and the developer and operator of Jeju Shinhwa World, and Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, the world's leading luxury hospitality company, today jointly announced plans to launch a luxury Four Seasons resort in the heart of Jeju Shinhwa World. Conveniently located just one hour from Seoul by plane, Jeju Island is home to some of Korea's most spectacular natural wonders, including multiple UNESCO sites, an expansive network of underground lava caves, thundering waterfalls, lush coastal hiking trails and the highest mountain peak in all of Korea. A year-round destination for travel with friends and family, Jeju Island also hosts the world-class Jeju Food & Wine Festival and offers a colourful array of local cuisine. The first of its kind on the island, Jeju Shinhwa World will be one of Korea's most dynamic resort developments, encompassing high-end hotel facilities including the world-class Four Seasons Resort, upscale resort condominiums and villas, and retail space for international and K-fashion brands. The integrated development will also feature an array of entertainment options including a waterpark, theme park, international-style casino and K-pop entertainment centre. "Jeju Shinhwa World is set to be one of the most popular leisure and entertainment destinations in north-east Asia. We are honoured to have Four Seasons as a luxury hotel brand in our accommodation offering. As a world-class luxury hospitality company, I am confident that Four Seasons will offer distinguished guests a premium hospitality experience at Jeju Shinhwa World." says Yang Zhihui, Chairman and Executive Director of Landing International Development Limited. "Jeju attracted close to 16 million visitors in 2016, and tourism is expected to continue to grow with a strong momentum for many years to come. We believe with its world-class products and service quality, Four Seasons will enhance the hospitality offerings in Jeju and further strengthen Jeju Shinhwa World's market position as a desired tourist destination in Jeju." "Korea is an important market for luxury leisure and business travellers. We are pleased to be extending our presence with a new resort experience on Jeju Island to complement our urban property in Seoul," says J. Allen Smith, President and CEO, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. "Landing International has an incredible vision for Jeju Shinhwa World. We look forward to working in partnership with them to create a world-class Four Seasons resort on Jeju Island, offering yet another destination in Korea for local and international travellers to experience the personalized service and thoughtful attention to detail that define Four Seasons." Four Seasons Resort Jeju Island at Jeju Shinhwa World, South Korea will include approximately 240 lavishly furnished guest rooms, suites and exclusive villas, with a variety of tailor-made restaurants and bars from which to choose. The Resort will be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for intimate weddings and prestigious corporate events, as well as a luxurious spa, designed in the style of a traditional Korean tea house. Jeju Shinhwa World has been opening in phases since the beginning of 2017. It will be one of Korea's most exciting and prestigious world-class integrated leisure and entertainment resorts. Jeju Shinhwa World will be Jeju's first premium integrated resort, spanning an area of approximately 2.5 million square metres (26.9 million square feet). Opening progressively from the beginning of 2017, Jeju Shinhwa World will offer world-class hospitality, leisure, entertainment and gaming facilities including a theme park offering many thrill rides and attractions in different zones themed after the world's myths and legends, an adventure water park and a destination spa, as well as Jeju's first retail and food and beverage complex. The project will incorporate a series of premium hotels offering more than 2,000 rooms, ranging from family-oriented guest rooms to ultra-luxurious exclusive villas. Full meeting and conference facilities suitable for regional and international MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and events) are also readily available to meet the most demanding business needs. For more information, visit www.shinhwaworld.com.
Chinese tourism ministry reports 126 million travelled for this year’s Qingming Festival
China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism reports that 126 million citizens travelled during the three-day Qingming Festival which began on 4th April. According to data gathered, people took the long weekend not only to pay respect to deceased loved ones, but to enjoy the refreshing spring weather before Labour Day when some places grow too warm for comfort. Qingming traveller numbers were up 6.3 percent year-on-year, while tourist spending hit US$7.9 billion, rising by around 6.7 percent. Where people went for the holiday The ministry report also showed that Shanghai and neighbouring areas within the Yangtze Delta were among the hottest destinations for this year. Surprisingly, winter favourite Harbin also saw significant crowds for the Qingming holiday. The National Immigration Administration also pointed out that 6.21 million people entered and/or exited China throughout the holiday, marking an increase of 19.7 percent from last year. Authorities note that the Chinese travel sector remains robust for the second holiday of the year, particularly among older generations and those with families. Millennial and Gen Z singles, however, opted to head overseas for the holiday, particularly to Japan for cherry blossom season, and to visa-free Jeju Island in South Korea whose popularity has soared thanks to the K-drama When Life Gives You Tangerines.
Korea Tourism Organization signs MOU with Thomas Cook India & SOTC
Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India’s leading omnichannel travel services company and its group company SOTC Travel, have signed a strategic 24-month partnership with Korea Tourism Organization - a collaboration that focuses on Special Projects towards increasing visibility for the destination in the high-potential India market. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Myong Kil Yun, Regional Director – India & SAARC Countries, Korea Tourism Organization, Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head, Holidays, MICE, Visa - Thomas Cook (India) Limited, and SD Nandakumar, President & Country Head - Holidays & Corporate Tours - SOTC Travel and Korea Tourism Organization’s exclusive partnership with Thomas Cook and SOTC Travel leverages on Special Projects to drive year-round awareness and inspiration for Korea. The collaboration extends across exchange of knowledge, best practices and development of unique-innovative products designed specifically for Indian travellers, fostering long-term growth in leisure, business and MICE segments for Korea. Korea offers a vibrant and enriching experience for Indian travellers, blending luxury, culture, wellness and exceptional cuisine. The global Hallyu wave has elevated Korea's cultural influence, with the rise of the K-beauty industry, K-pop and K-drama experiences captivating audiences worldwide. Korean cuisine, or Hansik, known for its bold flavors and healthy ingredients, adds another layer to the country's appeal, offering a delightful culinary journey. Expanding beyond Seoul and Busan, regions like Jeju Island, Gangwon Province and Jeollanam-do offer untapped potential for immersive travel experiences focused on wellness and relaxation, with state-of-the-art spas and wellness centers. This diverse offering positions Korea as a prime destination for India’s affluent and wellness-conscious market, driving sustained growth in tourism. Myong Kil Yun, Regional Director – India & SAARC Countries, Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) said: “We are delighted to formalize this strategic partnership with Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel, both prominent players in the Indian travel industry. Through this collaboration, we aim to enhance awareness and engagement for South Korea as a premier travel destination among Indian travellers. By leveraging their extensive distribution network, expertise, and innovative approach, we look forward to introducing unique and immersive travel experiences tailored to Indian tourists.” Rajeev Kale - President & Country Head, Holidays, MICE, Visa - Thomas Cook (India) Limited said, “With new destinations and exciting experiential travel driving demand, South Korea is perfectly positioned to inspire the growing appetite of new-age Indian travellers. Our MOU with the Korea Tourism Organization not only endorses South Korea as a dynamic and vibrant destination but also opens new avenues for enriching travel experiences. We aim to foster long-term growth across our viable leisure, business, and MICE segments. Our MOU will focus on product development, destination education and marcom to create top-of-mind visibility and drive transactions. By leveraging our expertise in the Indian market, we aim to create greater visibility for South Korea, facilitating seamless travel experiences and fostering memorable, value-driven journeys for our customers” SD Nandakumar, President & Country Head - Holidays & Corporate Tours - SOTC Travel said, “We are delighted to partner with Korea Tourism Organization. South Korea stands out as a destination that resonates with the evolving preferences of Indian travellers, not just from India’s metros but also regional India’s Tier 2 and 3 markets. With its blend of rich culture, cutting-edge innovation, and exciting experiences, it holds immense potential to captivate a diverse range of travellers. Our collaboration with the Korea Tourism Organization signifies our shared commitment to enhancing travel experiences for Indian visitors. This partnership is an opportunity to curate distinctive travel products and elevate destination awareness, leveraging joint initiatives that connect with the needs of the Indian market. Together, we aim to elevate the appeal of South Korea and create sustainable growth across leisure, business, and MICE sectors.”
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