KTO Inaugurates Riyadh Office to Enhance Presence in Middle East and Attract Saudi Travelers
In a strategic move to expand its footprint in the Middle East and strengthen ties with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) has officially opened its first representative office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This significant step reflects South Korea’s commitment to tapping into the burgeoning Saudi tourism market, which has witnessed a promising surge in tourist arrivals from Saudi Arabia and the broader GCC region.
As part of KTO’s comprehensive strategy to capitalize on the robust annual tourism performance with international tourists, the Riyadh office has been established. Aviareps, a globally recognized leader in tourism, aviation, and hospitality representation, has been appointed as KTO’s marketing and PR representative in Saudi Arabia. With an extensive network of 70 offices spanning 65 countries, Aviareps is ideally positioned to amplify awareness of South Korea’s captivating cultural, culinary, and budget-friendly travel offerings.
The Riyadh office is tasked with achieving several key objectives, including increasing the number of visitors from Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC region, boosting tourist spending, and encouraging extended stays. Additionally, the office will prioritize:
* Tailored marketing campaigns to highlight South Korea’s unique travel experiences
* Collaborative initiatives with Saudi-based travel agents and tour operators
* Industry networking and engagement to strengthen partnerships
The establishment of KTO’s Riyadh office coincides with a robust rebound in foreign tourism to South Korea in 2023, reaching an impressive 63% of pre-COVID levels. This strategic move is expected to make a substantial impact on the tourism sector:
* Increased visibility and awareness of South Korea as a premier travel destination
* Enhanced tourism infrastructure to accommodate the growing number of Saudi travelers
* Positive economic impact through increased tourist spending
Ju Lee, Executive Vice President of the International Tourism Division at KTO, emphasized the significance of this partnership, highlighting South Korea’s unparalleled blend of premium travel experiences, exceptional shopping districts, and vibrant cultural and culinary offerings that resonate strongly with Saudi travelers. The collaboration with Aviareps aims to enrich the tourism offerings for Saudi travelers and provide support to Saudi-based travel agents and tour operators.
Glenn Johnston, Vice President Middle East & Global Public Affairs at Aviareps, underscored the importance of this collaboration, describing Korea as an captivating travel destination renowned for its cultural richness and vibrant K-culture. Johnston expressed confidence in attracting Saudi travelers through comprehensive marketing strategies and PR campaigns focused on exclusivity, luxury, and premium experiences.
The opening of the Riyadh office is a pivotal step towards forging stronger tourism ties between South Korea and Saudi Arabia. By positioning South Korea as a top travel destination, KTO aims to attract more visitors, stimulate the local economy, and elevate the overall travel experience for Saudi tourists.
