(FT. LEE, NJ) – APRIL 18, 2006 Korea Offers Great Venues for International Conferences

According to the most recent Union of International Associations (UIA) yearly report, in 2004 there was a decline in meetings globally, except in Asia, where there was an increase of 14.9% over the number of meetings held in 2003. Seoul was ranked 10 within the cities in the world where meetings were held, with 109 meetings making it the third seed in the region.
Roddy Gordon, area director of marketing for Korea and Micronesia of the Grand Hyatt, stated that Seoul has great potential to become a favorite venue for international conferences.
“Seoul is a culturally interesting conference destination,’’ Gordon said. Seoul is equipped not only with up-to-date facilities for conferences but also with a rich cultural heritage, he said.
During his trip to Jeju island in late February Gordon mentioned that the scenic resort island to the south of the nation is well equipped to host meetings.
“I was amazed with the infrastructure and beautiful road systems,’’ adding that the island itself and the ICC Jeju was one of the best convention centers he had ever seen, with the best views in the world.
In March 2007 the Jeju International Convention Center (ICC Jeju) will be host to the American Association of Travel Agencies (ASTA) International Destination Expo with over 2,000 ASTA members, travel agents and journalists.

Meanwhile, Seoul will be host to several meetings & conventions throughout 2006 such as the 11th Congress of World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology with an expected attendance of 3,000 delegates and the World Library & Information Congress with 5,000 expected attendees. Both meetings will be held at the COEX in Seoul, Korea’s top venue for International meetings and conventions.

For further information please contact KTO New York office at (201) 585-0909, fax (201) 585-9041 or by e-mail at: ny@kntoamerica.com