February 18, 2025 | Press Release

Mumbai witnessed a significant boost in India-South Korea tourism relations as the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), in collaboration with the Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI), hosted the Korea Tourism Roadshow on February 14, 2025. The event underscored KTO’s commitment to fostering strong partnerships with Indian travel agents and promoting South Korea as a top destination for Indian travellers.

Strengthening Tourism Partnerships
The growing enthusiasm for South Korea among Indian tourists was a key highlight of the roadshow. Myong Kil Yun, Regional Director – India & SAARC Countries, KTO, emphasised the importance of adapting to evolving traveller preferences. “South Korea’s growing popularity among Indian travellers is a testament to the strong partnership we share with the Indian travel trade. With increasing demand for unique experiences, we are committed to providing our partners with tailored support, from exclusive training programs to performance-based incentives,” he said.

Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Himanshu Patil, President of OTOAI, noted that the roadshow presented a valuable opportunity for travel agents. “This partnership between OTOAI and KTO has the potential to significantly boost outbound tourism from India to Korea, unlocking opportunities for both travel operators and tourists. The rising influence of Korean entertainment, culture, and beauty products in India has driven a surge in interest among Indian travellers,” he said.

New Incentive Programs for Travel Agents
To sustain the growth in Indian tourist arrivals, KTO introduced several strategic initiatives, including the newly launched Designated Travel Agency Program under the K-Incentive Scheme 3.0. This program aims to encourage travel agencies to create Korea-specific packages that include lesser-explored destinations beyond Seoul, such as Busan, Gangwon-do, Jeollanam-do, and Jeollabuk-do.

Participating agencies must submit detailed proposals incorporating itinerary plans, marketing strategies, and visa facilitation approaches. Selected agencies will benefit from direct visa support, promotional assistance, and exclusive rewards, with top-performing agencies receiving special recognition at the year’s end.

For participation details, travel agents can refer to the official document at www.bit.ly/KTODesignatedTravelAgency.

Soaring Numbers and Future Ambitions
Indian tourist arrivals in South Korea reached 176,668 in 2024, marking a 44% year-on-year increase. Riding on this momentum, KTO has set an ambitious target of welcoming 250,000 Indian travellers in 2025, aligning with its global objective of attracting 18.5 million visitors this year.

To achieve this goal, KTO plans to enhance resources, streamline travel processes, and introduce innovative marketing campaigns that cater specifically to Indian audiences. As South Korea continues to gain traction as a favoured travel destination, the roadshow reaffirmed the country’s growing appeal and KTO’s unwavering commitment to strengthening India-South Korea tourism ties.