Latest news with #KoreaTourismOrganisation
Free Malaysia Today
20-05-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Batik Air connects East Malaysia to the heart of South Korea
Batik Air's new route between Kota Kinabalu in Sabah and Seoul in South Korea will enhance connectivity between the two destinations as well as boost tourism. (Batik Air pic) KUALA LUMPUR : Batik Air is poised to boost inbound tourism from South Korea to East Malaysia with the launch of its new direct service between Kota Kinabalu, Sabah (BKI) and Incheon International Airport, Seoul (ICN), commencing Sept 12. Operating three times a week, the new route eliminates the need for layovers in Kuala Lumpur or other cities, offering a faster, more convenient option for travellers. It also opens a seamless gateway for South Korean visitors to explore the natural wonders and cultural treasures of Sabah. Kota Kinabalu is fast gaining momentum as a strategic gateway for Korean travellers exploring Southeast Asia. From January to September 2024, Sabah welcomed nearly 152,000 visitors from South Korea, a clear reflection of the state's growing appeal. With its breathtaking rainforests, world-renowned dive spots, and the iconic Mount Kinabalu, the city offers a compelling mix of nature and adventure. Add to that its golden sunsets, rich cultural charm, and warm hospitality, and it's no surprise that Kota Kinabalu continues to attract attention on the global tourism stage. Batik Air chief executive officer, Chandran Rama Muthy, described the new service as part of the airline's broader vision to strengthen regional ties and elevate East Malaysia's connectivity. 'This new route not only enhances connectivity between Sabah and South Korea, but also reflects Batik Air's commitment to building a stronger regional network across Asia. As our footprint continues to expand, we are creating more meaningful links between cultures, economies, and communities.' At the same time, South Korea continues to be one of the top international destinations for Malaysians, consistently ranking among the top five. According to the Korea Tourism Organisation (KTO), over 300,386 Malaysians visited South Korea in 2024, with an increasing number from Sabah and Sarawak, reflecting the growing fascination with Korean culture, cuisine, and lifestyle in East Malaysia. With the launch of the BKI–ICN service, Batik Air reinforces its strategic expansion into North Asia, furthering its mission to deliver seamless connectivity while fuelling two-way tourism between South Korea and East Malaysia, and strengthening Kota Kinabalu's standing as an emerging international aviation hub. For more information and to plan your next journey, download Batik Air mobile app or visit their website.
Straits Times
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Squid Game 2 star Yim Si-wan to appear at travel fair in Singapore
South Korean actor Im Si-wan, will make an appearance in Singapore at the Korea Travel Fair on May 17 to share stories about his hometown, Busan. PHOTO: KOREA TOURISM ORGANISATION Squid Game 2 star Yim Si-wan to appear at travel fair in Singapore SINGAPORE – South Korean star Yim Si-wan will be popping by Singapore to give travel tips. The 36-year-old star recently portrayed Player 333, a disgraced cryptocurrency YouTuber, in season two of Netflix hit Squid Game (2021 to present). He will be appearing at Korea Travel Fair 2025: Your Gateway To K-Culture on May 17. The fair, organised by the Korea Tourism Organisation, aims to highlight South Korea's popular destinations and experiences. It runs from May 16 to 18, from 10:30am to 9pm, at Plaza Singapura. The 2025 edition also celebrates 50 years of diplomatic relations between Singapore and South Korea. Yim, who is also part of K-pop boy band ZE:A, will share stories and tips in a travel talk. The Misaeng (2014) star will also talk about his home town, the port city of Busan, and reveal his Korean food picks, travel recommendations and favourite filming sites. He is slated to appear at the opening ceremony on May 17, from 11am to 1pm. The ceremony will also see South Korean singer Punch take the stage to perform. The 32-year-old, whose real name is Bae Jin-young, has many hit K-drama songs in her repertoire. She dueted with boy band Exo member Chen for Everytime, one of the theme songs of romance drama Descendants Of The Sun (2016) , and Chen's bandmate Chanyeol, for Stay With Me, a theme song for hit fantasy romance Goblin (2016 to 2017). She is also known for Done For Me, part of the fantasy series Hotel Del Luna's (2019) soundtrack. Aside from celebrity appearances, the fair will offer activities and workshops such as personal colour analysis, traditional lantern making and K-pop dance classes. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Trade Arabia
16-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
ITB China will address rising demand for MICE, business travel
ITB China, a B2B-exclusive trade show focused on the Chinese travel market, returns from May 27 to 29, 2025, at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center. The event will showcase the full spectrum of the travel industry, with MICE and business travel being one of the key highlights. A recent survey of ITB China buyers revealed that up to 70% have a demand for sourcing MICE and business travel products. This year, ITB China offers travel professionals unmatched opportunities to connect with China's rapidly expanding MICE industry, featuring nearly 400 exhibitors showcasing MICE-related products and services. Notable participants include the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Korea Tourism Organisation, Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau, Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau, Business Events Sarawak, and top-tier suppliers from the transportation and hospitality sectors. Mubarak Al Shamisi，Director Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau, Department of Culture & Tourism Abu Dhabi, said: "China is a key market for Abu Dhabi's business events strategy, and we are returning to ITB China in 2025 to showcase the emirate's ever-evolving MICE offerings. With our world-class infrastructure, seamless connectivity, and a dynamic calendar of international events, Abu Dhabi is increasingly the destination of choice for planners seeking cultural depth, innovation, and hospitality excellence. ITB China is a vital platform for us, to connect with industry stakeholders, strengthen partnerships and highlight to event organisers and delegates on how Abu Dhabi continues to elevate business events experiences." The ITB China Conference will present a curated program of expert-led discussions and tailored forum sessions, offering insights into the trends shaping the future of MICE and business travel. Key partnerships with leading organisations and media such as the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE China), HuiZhanBEN, the China Business Event Industry Committee (CBEIC), and the Digital Procurement Professional Committee under CECC (DPPC) will be presented. Key highlights of ITB China 2025 include the Corporate Buyers Tour, an exclusive opportunity for Chinese corporations to explore top MICE destinations, infrastructure, and offerings firsthand. The ITB China MICE Afterparty will provide a relaxed setting for industry professionals to build connections and engage in constructive exchange. In collaboration with SITE China, ITB China, the MICE & TMC Branch of the Shanghai Tourism Industry Association, and the Exhibition Education & Training Committee of CCEES, the 1st SITE China Young Talent Challenge will spotlight the next generation of aspiring MICE leaders. The overall winner will be announced on site at ITB China 2025 after the final competition for the grand prize.
Tourism Breaking News
14-02-2025
- Tourism Breaking News
Korea Tourism Organisation won ‘Most engaging travel events organised by an NTO in the Middle East' at Arabian Travel Awards 2024.
Post Views: 84 Korea Tourism Organisation won 'Most engaging travel events organised by an NTO in the Middle East' at the seventh edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2024. 'It was fantastic, great entertainment, excellent line of awards, and we are overwhelmed because we won in three different categories. We would just make sure that we come back again and we won even more awards. Arabian Travel Awards are highly credible, and I call them the Oscar of our travel industry in the Middle East, so fantastic.'-Glenn Johnston, Representative, Korea Tourism Organization
