Exotic appeal at Jeju Island
As the Korean wave has been rising, South Korea is finding its way on the world destination map. And with its economic growth on surge, business travellers have been eyeing this country too, more so, the exotic Jeju
Korean drama, K-pop, cosmetics, entertainers are becoming popular. But its ‘Resort MICE” that makes Jeju popular for business events. In Jeju, delegates can get away from busy city meetings and conventions and enjoy doing business in a relaxed ambience. The hotels and convention centres on Jeju are lined on the beaches near the blue sea. During the conferences, participants can enjoy taking a walk on the beach or rest in the woodland. Since 2002, Jeju has been a Free International City allowing visitors from over 180 countries, including China, to enter without a visa and offers tax privileges.
USP
Jeju exudes a sense of mystery since it possesses important rare geological features such as lava caves, dynamic volcanic topography, and natural ecology. Jeju has a beautiful natural landscape that makes it one of the ‘New 7 Wonders of Nature’ and a UNESCO designated site–Biosphere Reserve, Global Geopark and World Natural Heritage.
CONVENTION CENTRES
ICC Jeju is a specialised resort-style convention centre with varied space conference facilities and event rooms. It has upgraded eco-friendly facilities and the team has experience of holding international events. Across the Jeju island, there are 3,000 5-star hotel rooms with world-class service and 30,000 total beds. Jeju has many luxury hotels.
EVENTS HELD
ADB (Asia Development Bank) Annual Meeting the Board of Governors in 2004, PATA (the Pacific Asia Travel Association) Annual Conference in 2004, ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents) Destination Expo in 2007, UCLG (United Cities
and Local Governments) World Congress in 2007, World Scout Conference in 2008, ASEANKOREA Commemorative Summit in 2008, KORJAP-CHI Trilateral Summit in 2010, and the IUCN WCC (World Conservation Congress) in 2012. The growth was fuelled by the establishment of Jeju CVB and the 2009 designation of MICE as a ‘New Growth Engine Industry’ under the Jeju Special Act.
INDIAN MICE GROUPS
Events can be of any size, from small one-day conferences for a local business, to a week-long international conventions. Guided tours are available to take major tourist attractions. The accommodation and convention centres have high-tech facilities equipped with banquets halls, and availability of special indoor and outdoor spaces. There are other venues too where special events and themed parties can be held.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Spirited Garden banquet space is composed of seven different themed gardens. One can plan own parties matching the group style. Yacht tour Shangrila marina garden is a special place where seafood buffet can be enjoyed. There are on-board events and outdoor garden too on this yacht. Camellia Hill has a unique scenery which changes with every season, with the blooming of camilia and wild jeju plants. Their lawn plaza seats maximum 2,000 people. Jeju World Natural Heritage Center opened in 2012. Also, Geomun Oreum, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is worth a trip to. It has Black Volcanic cone next to it. Hiking this Oreum can be a special team building programme for your group.
INCENTIVES FOR AGENTS
India is a new market. For Jeju, China is a major market which dominates more than 90 per cent of the incentive tour market to jeju. With a diversification plan, India is a new target country. Recently, MICE organisers have been including Jeju on their list as Indians are looking for places where they have not held events to offer new experiences. MICE organisers can choose incentive options such as a welcome ceremony, gala dinner, performances, souvenirs, banquet room rental fees and more. Jeju CVB and the government ensures that Indians have easy access to the island and make it a memorable place for the group.
MICE organisers have been including Jeju on their list as Indians are looking for places where they have not held events to offer new experiences
AFTER WORK
Jeju is nicknamed ‘a healing island’. Activities such as climbing mountains, walking in the forests or enjoying the waterfalls, act as balm to the soul. And then there are golf, hunting, horse riding, fishing and cultural activities. The ‘Women Divers’ Experience’ is a must-do activity. Women divers dive into the deep sea without air tanks! Jeju calls them ‘the world’s last real mermaids’. For those who don’t feel like diving, there is a submarine. Performances include Nanta performance, action shows, circus and horse riding.