In 2022, the “2022 Busan Sustainable MICE Event Management Guidelines” were released, capturing the attention of the MICE industry. These guidelines offer a range of useful measures for protecting the environment while hosting successful MICE events. The guidelines provide detailed examples and recommendations to assist companies that may encounter challenges when establishing ESG strategies and goals for events, as well as assistance in preparing operational manuals. As they are presented in a checklist format, the guidelines list key considerations for sustainability practices, tailored to those involved in events, enhancing their usability. Practices include selecting eco-friendly accommodations within walking distance as the official lodging, minimizing food waste and carbon emissions, and using reusable materials in exhibition halls. 

In line with agreements made with MICE businesses, government offices, and other companies, the BTO CVB held a sustainability management declaration ceremony and conducted environmental campaigns. In addition, the BTO CVB is actively conducting sessions for MICE companies in Busan on ESG management through initiatives such as MICE Alliance Day and meetings with the Busan MICE Alliance (BMA).

During COSPAR 2024, which was held from July 13 to 21, the BTO CVB set up a tourism promotion booth made of recyclable timber. This eco-friendly booth was also reused during IGC 2024 in August, promoting “paperless conferences.” The IT services provided were instrumental in reducing paper usage and also contributed to a high level of participant satisfaction. Efforts to operate a waste-free booth continued at the 27^th IAVE, which was held in Busan on October 22. In this way, Busan and the BTO CVB have consistently demonstrated a proactive model for eco-friendly MICE events.

With the hope of establishing itself as a MICE city known for sustainable growth, Busan — at the forefront of the MICE industry — will continue to strive to make all visits to the marine city truly memorable. See you in Busan.

For more information on Busan’s MICE opportunities visit: https://www.busanmice.or.kr/en/main.do

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The event brought together volunteers from 80 countries to highlight the importance and value of volunteer work. Divided into multiple sessions, the conference addressed key social issues such as climate change, education, and inequality, with participants sharing their experiences.

The 27^th International Association for Volunteer Effort (IAVE) World Volunteer Conference underscored the importance and impact of volunteerism while fostering dialogues on how volunteer organizations can collaborate to address global challenges. As the host city, Busan provided a platform for networking in international volunteerism, affirming the value and social influence of volunteering on a global scale.

Busan and the Busan Tourism Organization (BTO) worked tirelessly to secure this prestigious event. After submitting its application to IAVE in November 2022, Busan collaborated closely with the Busan Metropolitan City Volunteer Center to showcase its merits as a potential host city. These efforts highlighted Busan’s capacity for hosting international events, its advanced tourism infrastructure, and its excellent accessibility. These advantages contributed to Busan’s official selection in March 2023 as the host city of the 27th IAVE World Volunteer Conference.

Sustainability was a major focus on the event. Building on similar initiatives at the 45th Scientific Assembly of the Committee on Space Research and the 37^th International Geological Congress, the BTO CVB set up a tourism promotion booth made from eco-friendly materials.

The announcement marked the beginning of over a year of dedicated preparation by Busan, the Busan Tourism Organization, and other stakeholders, culminating in a highly successful conference. Volunteers from across the globe set sustainable development targets during the event, which they continue to pursue. Building on this success, Busan is leveraging the momentum to further enhance the experiences of MICE event participants and establish itself as a hub for international collaboration and networking.

For more information on Busan’s MICE opportunities, https://www.busanmice.or.kr/en/main.do 

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From October 23 to 25, 2024, the BTO CVB participated in ITB Asia 2024 in Singapore, promoting Busan as a MICE city to event organizers and visitors. ITB Asia is the largest tourism expo in the Asia-Pacific, attracting approximately 1,300 participants each year. At its promotional booth, the BTO CVB engaged in B2B consultations and networking, and it also created a “picnic zone” for event attendees, highlighting Busan’s appeal as a “bleisure” (business and leisure) destination.

IBTM World 2024, held from November 19 to 21, provided a valuable opportunity for the BTO CVB to showcase the city’s competitive advantages to Europe’s MICE industry. Recognized as one of the world’s largest MICE expos, IBTM World unites Europe’s MICE professionals under one roof. At the event, the BTO CVB, along with leading MICE companies from the city, operated a dedicated promotional booth, hosting B2B consultations to attract future MICE events to Busan. The team also engaged in strategic networking with key European MICE organizations, such as the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and the Union of International Associations (UIA), gaining insights into the latest trends and securing new partnership opportunities.

From November 4 to 8, the BTO CVB hosted the “2024 Meet Busan” event in Thailand to promote Busan’s MICE industry and engage with Thai MICE buyers. Thai buyers engaged in group sales calls and B2B consultations with delegates from Busan, gaining valuable insights into the city’s premier MICE offerings and ESG initiatives. Leveraging Thailand’s Loy Krathong festival, the BTO CVB invited Thai visitors to make traditional Korean mood lamps and offered photo opportunities in traditional Korean attire. This productive visit gave members of Thailand’s MICE industry a deeper understanding of the extensive tourism and MICE resources Busan has to offer.

Throughout its participation in ITB Asia, IBTM World, and Meet Busan in Thailand, the BTO CVB consistently emphasized its commitment to sustainability by highlighting its green MICE initiatives and eco-friendly management based on ESG principles. Moving forward, the BTO CVB is dedicated to sharing its vision for sustainable MICE events with the world as Busan aspires to play an increasingly prominent role in the global MICE industry.

For more information on Busan’s MICE opportunities https://www.busanmice.or.kr/en/main.do 

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The end of COVID-19 has catalyzed the evolution of Busan’s MICE sector, which some are dubbing “MICE 2.0” in the era of the experience economy. The pandemic highlighted the convenience and vast potential of the online world, exemplified by platforms like Zoom and the metaverse. Traditional information sharing and product sales within the MICE context are no longer sufficient to meet the expectations of event-goers. To attract those accustomed to digital interaction, the MICE industry is evolving to emphasize unique local experiences, providing offerings that can only be enjoyed through physical attendance.

Busan’s MICE Marketing in the Experience Economy Era

As MICE event-goers around the world seek special real-life experiences, Busan’s MICE organizers are focusing on planning and marketing experiences that incorporate knowledge, content, and engaging activities. A notable example of this effort is the Busan International Footwear, Textile & Fashion Exhibition, held in October of last year. The main exhibition took place at BEXCO, while the buyers’ dinner was hosted at Museum 1, Korea’s largest contemporary media art gallery. This unique venue provided visitors with an unforgettable experience, showcasing the identity of the Busan International Footwear, Textile & Fashion Exhibition through captivating media art.

Combining a region’s unique venues with MICE events is a strategy that offers event-goers more than just a program to attend—it provides them with an authentic local experience. Those who have enjoyed a distinctive experience in a region are likely to return for a longer stay. This highlights the significance of the Busan Convention Bureau’s efforts in selecting Busan Unique Venues. In the second half of 2024, the Busan Convention Bureau identified 15 new unique venues, each well-suited for MICE events. These venues showcase Busan’s rich history and culture while offering dynamic leisure activities. They were chosen for their strong appeal to MICE event-goers. The Busan Unique Venues are collaborating with the city of Busan and local businesses to ensure that visitors have an unforgettable MICE experience.

Busan: The Destination for Unforgettable Experiences

Few cities can rival Busan’s diverse MICE infrastructure and growth potential. BEXCO, along with unique venues, stunning oceanfront leisure activities, five-star hotels, and resorts, collectively make up Busan’s world-class MICE ecosystem. As a comprehensive MICE city, Busan must integrate its MICE infrastructure with local tourism to offer event-goers a truly exceptional experience that encourages them to stay longer and return in the future. In this new era, Busan can embrace experience marketing to position itself as a leader in the global MICE industry.

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■ History

For a unique venue in the context of MICE, local history is a powerful tool for attracting visitors. Domoheon, the former official residence of the mayor of Busan; Space OneZ, a renovated old warehouse; Haeundae Platform, located in the former Haeundae subway station; and the Busan Modern History Museum, a former Bank of Korea building, are all excellent examples of such unique venues.

Domoheon, formerly the official residence of the mayor of Busan, has been remodeled into a cultural complex that is open to the public. Known among Koreans as a filming location for the TV drama Reborn Rich, it has transformed since that time and now features a café, walking paths, and an outdoor garden. Visitors appreciate Domoheon as an urban sanctuary.

Your next event could be held at Space OneZ, which offers stunning views of the ocean and a large shipyard just outside. This complex cultural space retains the appearance of the 100-year-old bonded warehouse it was remodeled from. With an ample space of 2,645 m², it has hosted numerous receptions and cultural events, while its restaurant serves a wide variety of Western dishes.

■ Culture and Fun

The Busan Unique Venues offer distinctive settings and experiences that enhance Busan’s appeal as a MICE city. This year, notable venues such as the Taejongdae Ocean Flying Theme Park, an action tourism landmark; Running Man, named after the popular TV show; the National Youth Ecology Center, showcasing the flora and fauna of Eulsuk Island; and the Busan Museum of Movies, dedicated to cinematic experiences, are joined by the two new Busan Unique Venues introduced below.

If you’re in Busan on a workation and want to enjoy some surfing, the Holi Lounge at Songjeong Beach allows you to combine work and play. Situated above Surf Holic Village, which offers surfing lessons, Holi Lounge extends from the second floor to the rooftop, providing a beachside spot for brunch and drinks. Equipped with solo workstations and meeting rooms, Holi Lounge is designed with workation visitors in mind.

Located in Myeongji International New City, the National Assembly Busan Library is Korea’s first regional library established by the National Assembly. It preserves literature of national significance and promotes the knowledge and culture of Korea’s provinces. Facilities suitable for group activities like seminars, group study, and filming are available on every floor.

■ Performances and Events

Busan also boasts cafes ready to serve your favorite hot beverages in a comfortable and stylish atmosphere, complemented by music performances and events. Unique venues include Music Complex Busan, a haven for vinyl enthusiasts; Daniels Tribe, known for its live performances; Gonggan 523, a modern cultural complex; Space Byulil, featuring a café with pop-up exhibitions; and Douce Foret, known to be ideal for smaller events.

Located in Gijang, Music Complex Busan is a café centered around vinyl albums. Customers can choose LPs from the shelves and play them on the turntable. The second floor features an intimate concert venue.

Daniels Tribe is a dessert café located in a residential area near Gwangalli Beach, offering a relaxing atmosphere. It hosts artisan concerts spanning various genres, including swing jazz and classical music. Drop by Daniels Tribe for a sensory delight.

In addition to the new Busan Unique Venues of 2024 introduced above, you can view the full list of Busan Unique Venues by following the link below. Selected for their individual character, Busan Unique Venues are worth making time for during your visit to Busan.

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With its concentration of international conference facilities, accommodations, shopping, entertainment, and transportation, HAEVENUE combines highly developed urban amenities with stunning natural surroundings, offering a diverse range of cultural experiences. We have created an ideal way to enjoy the MICE experience in Busan by incorporating “WORK,” “PLAY,” and “LIVE” in HAEVENUE.

Work in HAEVENUE

BEXCO is both the starting point of a business trip in Busan and the heart of the HAEVENUE infrastructure. As Busan’s premier convention center, BEXCO has successfully hosted numerous major international events, including the 2005 APEC Summit and the 2019 ASEAN-ROK Commemorative Summit. Last year, BEXCO achieved a record by hosting approximately 1,100 events and exceeding a 60% utilization rate of its exhibition space. Depending on the purpose and format of the event, there is a diverse range of facilities to choose from, including 22 convention halls, 62 meeting rooms, and an auditorium with a capacity of 4,000 people. In addition, plans are underway to expand the center with a third exhibition hall. On the first floor of the BEXCO Auditorium, you will find the Busan MICE Information Center, in which MICE tourism information and business lounge services are offered. If you’re nearby, don’t miss the chance to check out BEXCO! 

Play in HAEVENUE

Shinsegae Department Store Centum City, the largest in the world, is the only department store in Korea that houses all three major fashion luxury brands as well as four major luxury jewelry brands. It has gained a stellar reputation among global shoppers as a mecca for shopping tourism. In addition to over 50 coffee shops and restaurants, cultural and entertainment facilities, it offers visitors a wide range of experiences, including an urban healing hot spring, Spa Land, and the children’s career experience center, KidZania, allowing guests to enjoy much more than just shopping. 

Lotte Department Store Centum, which is evolving into a cultural complex by meeting the diverse needs of shoppers, is located right next to Shinsegae, making it easy to walk between the two venues. On the first floor, you can visit the Musee Grand Art, where you can view and purchase beautiful artwork. Lotte Cinema, featuring the premium Charlotte Theater screening room, is located on the eighth floor. Check out the department store’s schedule for pop-up stores if you would like to purchase limited-edition items and merchandise for a unique shopping experience.

The Busan Cinema Center, the main venue for Asia’s top film festival, the Busan International Film Festival, is located right across from the two shopping malls. In addition to hosting numerous film events, performances, and MICE activities, the center regularly screens rare and hard-to-find films outside of the festival period. It also frequently hosts guest visits (GV) featuring directors, actors, and critics. The Busan Cinema Center building’s unique deconstructive architecture is illuminated with LED panels at night, creating a cinematic nighttime scene that feels like something out of a movie.

Live in HAEVENUE

How you end a trip can greatly influence your overall memories of the experience. Among the many hotels in Haeundae, the five 5-star hotels within HAEVENUE are renowned for their luxury services, breathtaking views, and convenient transportation. These hotels offer the perfect conditions for concluding a dream trip that is rich in both business and leisure experiences. 

Located at the entrance of Dongbaek Park in Haeundae, Westin Josun Busan is surrounded by stunning views of Gwangan Bridge and Marine City. Relax in the “Westin Heavenly Bed,” which offers cloud-like comfort. Also, indulge in a buffet with seasonal fresh dishes and a dining pub that serves premium draft beer. 

Paradise Hotel Busan, located along the beach road of Haeundae, is a true landmark of this area. The balcony creates the illusion of having Haeundae Beach right at your feet. At the outdoor Ocean Spa Pool, known as a “small sea in the sky,” visitors can enjoy both a spa and a swim while taking in the stunning beach views that create the ambience of an exotic seaside resort. 

Grand Josun Busan’s rooms are decorated in a white-tone interior that contrasts beautifully with the blue sea that is visible through the floor-to-ceiling windows. In addition to the distinctive dining options available at the Chinese restaurant, buffet, lounge and bar, guests can enjoy a variety of leisure facilities including a swimming pool and sauna. 

Park Hyatt Busan, a global hotel chain, is not only located close to BEXCO, Shinsegae Department Store Centum City, and Lotte Department Store Centum City, but also offers sea views over the nearby yachting center, making it a hotel that combines both accessibility and beautiful sceneries. The hotel offers a variety of experiences with its amenities that include a fitness center, spa, sauna and swimming pool.

Signiel Busan stands tall in the iconic LCT Tower, a landmark of Haeundae, making it a particularly eye-catching destination. Luxurious leisure facilities that include a 1,323 ㎡ outdoor pool, an infinity pool that appears to be seamlessly connected to Haeundae Beach, and an exclusive garden terrace for guests, convey a special value that is unique to Signiel. 

MICE and tourism 24 hours a day, exclusively in HAEVENUE!

Like its name, HAEVENUE – a clever blend of Haeundae, heaven, venue, and avenue (high-quality agglomeration facilities) – truly embodies an optimum space for MICE tourists, with everything you need right at your fingertips. For those with limited time between work and play, or who want to maximize their workation by enjoying a luxurious location with minimal transport required, look no further than HAEVENUE in Busan. This destination provides everything you need, all conveniently located in one place.

For more information on Busan visit:https://www.busanmice.or.kr/en/board/post/lib/view.do?bcIdx=507&mid=0403020000&&idx=103977

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WCCM is a biennial conference organized by the International Association for Computational Mechanics. It serves as a platform for sharing the latest research and innovations in computational solid mechanics and computational fluid dynamics through discussions and lectures. WCCM 2028 will take place at Busan’s BEXCO from July 16 to July 21, 2028. The six-day event is expected to attract more than 3,000 attendees from around the world. 

Busan’s Efforts to Land WCCM 2028

Last year, following the joint marketing efforts of the Busan Tourism Organization and BEXCO, and after internal discussions within the Korean Society for Computational Mechanics, Busan was selected as a candidate city to host WCCM 2028. Since then, the WCCM 2028 Bid Committee, composed of prominent experts in the field, worked diligently both in Korea and abroad to bring the event to Busan. Their efforts finally bore fruit. This March, during the on-site inspection, Busan showcased its excellent infrastructure and growth potential. As a result, in July, Busan was selected as the final host city for WCCM 2028, beating out other candidate cities such as Shanghai and Singapore.

A MICE City Ready for the WCCM

Behind Busan’s successful bid to host WCCM 2028 was the administrative and financial support from the city government and the Busan Tourism Organization. In January, Busan emphasized its commitment to future digital technology by designating “digital tech” as one of its nine strategic industries, leveraging the city’s unique regional characteristics. This highlighted the city’s deep understanding of the importance of computational mechanics. In alignment with Busan’s strategic industries, such as AI and smart cities, the city spared no effort in supporting its bid for WCCM 2028, laying the foundation for its success.

The successful bid for WCCM 2028 is particularly meaningful as it was achieved through the combined efforts of both the public and private sectors. The event is expected to generate an economic impact of KRW 13.8 billion and create over 100 jobs. In addition, the international technological exchanges that will take place during the congress are expected to play a major role in advancing the field of computational mechanics in Korea. The latest WCCM research and technologies have the potential to contribute to ship and aircraft designs, quantum computing, urban infrastructure optimization, and disaster prediction and response. These innovations are likely to positively influence the development of a diverse range of industries, including Busan’s strategic industries.

On to the Next Stage for WCCM 2028

Busan was officially designated as the host city for 2028 at WCCM 2024, which was held in Vancouver, Canada. The Busan Tourism Organization will attend WCCM 2026 in Munich, Germany to further promote Busan as a premier MICE destination. Having passed the bid stage, Busan has entered the next phase of preparations to successfully host the WCCM in 2028. There is already growing anticipation for the computational mechanics festival that will blossom in Busan in four short years.

For more information on Busan visit:

https://www.busanmice.or.kr/en/board/post/lib/view.do?bcIdx=507&mid=0403020000&&idx=103977

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The Committee on Space Research is the largest consortium on space science in the world, and COSPAR 2024 rallied 2,700 space scientists from approximately 60 countries for discussions around future directions and international cooperation in space development. With the successful conclusion of COSPAR 2024 in Busan, the maritime MICE city is rising as a new centre of the aerospace industry. The following is a recommended itinerary, where you can visit some of the unique places in Busan to enjoy a hands-on space science experience.

An Introduction to Space Science in Busan

The Busan National Science Museum was established to help children understand the world through science. It consists of three permanent exhibitions. Exhibition 1 is dedicated to the automotive and aerospace progress Korea has achieved so far. Here, visitors can learn about space science and technology, including moon exploration and international space stations, through multimedia presentations. There is also a simulation of the first civilian space tour that is popular with visitors of all ages.

After your visit, take a tour of the Busan Institute of Creative Convergence Education. Indoor and outdoor exhibits on a wide range of disciplines, including space science and oceanography, give visitors a stimulating experience full of science and education. In the Space Science Theater you will have an enjoyable experience of the birth and development of the universe, and gain a better understanding of the sun, the moon, rockets, missions to Mars, and other space science tidbits. Other space experiences available will have you try controlling a Mars explorer robot and taking a virtual tour of a space station!

A Close Encounter with Space Science

The observatory and planetarium at Geumnyeonsan Youth Training Institute offer a wealth of space science knowledge. Step into the planetarium to experience immersive media presentations on the universe, and enjoy a VR-enhanced nighttime firmament where you can observe the movements of stars by time and by season. 

The last stop on this month’s recommended itinerary is the Gwangalli M Drone Light Show at Gwangalli Beach! It is a spectacle put on by a swarm of colorfully lit-up drones in free flight against the night sky. The regular performance features around 700 drones, while special performances feature up to 2,000 drones, making for an unforgettable visual experience. 

Busan, already renowned for its tourist attractions, also becomes known as a space science city, boasting an educational tourism infrastructure for experiencing space science. As a MICE city offering unique and enjoyable experiences, Busan is highly recommended for those looking to explore space science.

 For more information on Busan visit: https://www.busanmice.or.kr/en/main.do

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The Committee on Space Research is the largest consortium on space science in the world, and from 13 to 21 July COSPAR 2024 brought together about 2,700 space scientists from approximately 60 countries, creating an opportunity to promote Korea’s achievements in space science over the years. 

As the host city of COSPAR 2024, Busan incorporated the value of sustainability into the international event. The following are some of the activities undertaken by Busan.

Results of COSPAR 2024 for space exploration

Held under the banner of “Team Spirit in Space Research,” COSPAR 2024 was attended by officials from the Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the European Space Agency (ESA), as well as aerospace companies such as Lockheed Martin, who took part in discussions about space development, related with international cooperation policies. Multiple luminaries, including physicist and Nobel laureate Samuel Ting, gave presentations of far-reaching interest at the event.

Realized sustainable MICE examples in the field

At the COSPAR event, the BTO CVB ran an eco-friendly MICE and tourism promotion booth constructed of recycled and recyclable materials to give visitors information on the tourist attractions of Busan and as a city without producing any waste.

With “Save the Space” being one of the slogans chosen to front COSPAR 2024, COSPAR 2024 Organizing Committee was a no-plastic, paperless, and recycling-focused event. Venue supplies and souvenirs were made from recycled materials, and electronic files replaced traditional printouts for visitors.

The COSPAR 2024 Organizing Committee joined the MICE city of Busan in realizing sustainable MICE through COSPAR 2024.

COSPAR 2024 provided Busan with an opportunity for significant growth in the space development industry and sustainable growth in the MICE industry. The MICE city of Busan will continue to practice ESG when hosting future international events.

For more information on Busan visit https://www.busanmice.or.kr/en/main.do

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For example, the city secured the opportunity to host the Asia Pacific Tourism Association (APTA) Annual Conference 2025 and World Statistics Congress (WSC) 2027, and successfully hosted the 20th International Microscopy Congress (IMC20), in addition to a number of other major MICE events. However, Busan’s efforts to achieve sustainable growth as a MICE city extended beyond just attracting and hosting events. 

Choose Busan for MICE Event Success

The BTO CVB spent 2023 attracting new MICE events and preparing to host MICE events scheduled to be held in Busan. The 2023 Human Proteome Organization World Congress (HUPO 2023) and 2023 World Congress on Biosensors, attended by biotechnology professionals from around the world, were held successfully in Busan, cementing the city’s reputation as a top host city for global science and technology events. Busan also hosted the 11th Annual Meeting of the Asian Organization for Crohn’s and Colitis, held in conjunction with the 6th International Meeting on Intestinal Diseases and the Annual Congress of the Korean Association for the Study of Intestinal Disease, the foremost academic exchange on inflammatory bowel disease, attended by over 900 experts from 20 countries, and the 2023 Congress of the International Council on Combustion Engines, attended by over 800 experts from 38 countries. These events made clear the vast potential of Busan as a MICE city that can host a wide range of events in various industries.

Source: Busan Tourism Organization

The BTO CVB actively promoted Busan as a host city at major MICE events held around the world, which is one way it attracts MICE events to the city. As a result, in 2024, the 5th Session of the UN Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution is scheduled to take place in Busan. The event is expected to provide momentum for Busan’s projects in the marine environment sector, including the formation of clusters for resource circulation. The International Geographical Congress 2024, the foremost international conference in the field of geology, will also be held in Busan next year. The event will undoubtedly help the city’s efforts in having Busan National Geopark registered as a UNESCO World Heritage. The 2024 World Volunteer Conference is another international event coming to Busan. It will be an opportunity for Busan to lead a positive change in the global paradigm of goodwill and volunteer work.

With these major global MICE events on tap in Busan for 2024, the BTO CVS is making the necessary preparations. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the BTO CVB has made aggressive efforts to attract even more international conferences to Busan. These efforts were able to secure a number of major events, including the Asia Pacific Tourism Association (APTA) Annual Conference 2025, 2027 Korea-Japan Conference on Ferroelectrics, and World Statistics Congress (WSC) 2027.

Play, Work, Live Busan!

Source: Busan Tourism Organization

In addition to its work at attracting and hosting events, the BTO CVB has also made many other efforts to the lay the foundation for Busan’s continued growth as a MICE city. In 2023, the BTO CVB adopted the motto “Play, Work, Live Busan” to impress upon MICE organizers and visitors the indelible image of Busan as a well-rounded, global MICE brand that is ideal for work, vacation, and living. Under the “Play, Work, Live Busan” slogan, promoters emphasized the city’s mountains, sea, and urban area and the ability to get to anywhere within the city in 30 minutes, along with the area’s appeal as a workation destination. 

Source: Busan Tourism Organization

In 2023, the BTO CVB participated in large international MICE events, such as ITB-Asia 2023 and IBTM World 2023, to promote Busan as an attractive host city for MICE events, keep up to date with the latest MICE industry trends, and make qualitative improvements to Busan’s MICE industry.

The BTO CVB also worked to bring more incentive tourism to Busan. A fam tour for American incentive travel agencies, the fam tour program “Meet in Busan,” and a host of other fam tours were held this year and attended by MICE professionals from multiple countries. While on their tours, visitors could directly see and experience Busan’s advanced MICE infrastructure and a wide range of tourism and entertainment offerings as a maritime tourism city.

The BTO CVB also made great strides in ESG management as part of its efforts for the sustainable growth of Busan’s MICE industry. The BTO CVB diligently supported training programs to raise ESG awareness and conducted ESG networking to create solidarity within Busan’s MICE industry to further ESG activities, which are increasingly being prioritized worldwide.

Over the last 10 years, Busan’s MICE industry has experienced explosive growth highlighted by hosting 100,000 events while drawing over 55 million visitors. Many spots in Busan make it an ideal city for tourism and MICE events, including BEXCO, BPEX, the area’s hotels that also double as great MICE venues, and the officially designated 23 Busan Unique Venues. The city also boasts an ideal workation environment. Leveraging its distinctive advantages and successful hosting experiences in global MICE events, Busan is poised for further growth in 2024.

If you want to know more about BTO, click on the following link: https://bto.or.kr/cvbeng/CMS/Board/Board.do?mCode=MN039&&mode=view&board_seq=3727&

More information is available at the following link: https://bto.or.kr/cvbeng/CMS/Board/Board.do?mCode=MN040&mode=view&mgr_seq=84&board_seq=3725

(Yours Stories: BTO)

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