[Updates by TPO Members]
Jeonju Future Cities Forum 2026 charts a path toward global tourism
Jeonju held the Jeonju Future Cities Forum 2026 on 17–18 September at Lahan Hotel and the National Intangible Heritage Center. The forum’s theme was “Global Urban Tourism: Evolving into the Future.”
Experts from Korea and abroad joined five sessions on MICE, gastronomy, sports, night tourism and smart tourism. They shared successful examples from other cities and discussed Jeonju’s future tourism vision. The city aims to strengthen international exchange and build a foundation for its growth as a global tourism destination.
Gunsan offers two-day tours of the Gogunsan Islands
Gunsan is offering ten two-day tours for residents of the Seoul metropolitan area between 26 September and November.
The package features an 8.64-kilometre walk through the Maldo, Myeongdo and Bangchukdo island area. It also includes an island stay, a visit to Gunsan’s modern heritage district and local food. Charter buses provide transport from the Seoul metropolitan area. Gunsan expects the tours to encourage overnight visits and support the local economy.
Busan promotes medical tourism in Almaty
Busan Metropolitan City and the Busan Economic Promotion Agency held a medical tourism briefing and business meetings in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on 8–9 September. The briefing drew 81 participants, including representatives of the Korean community and local agencies serving international patients.
Busan introduced its medical services and signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Association of Koreans of Kazakhstan. The business meetings resulted in 107 consultations and two additional agreements. Last year, 21,500 patients from Central Asia visited Korea for medical tourism, up 12.5% from 2024.
Kazakhstan hosts TBEX Asia 2026
TBEX Asia 2026 took place at The Ritz-Carlton, Almaty, on 20–23 August. It was the first Travel Blog Exchange (TBEX) event held in Central Asia.
TBEX began in Chicago in 2009. The event connects travel bloggers and influencers with tourism boards, travel agencies and hotels. Its program includes content creation, digital marketing training, networking and business meetings.
More than 250 participants from around the world attended. Their combined social media and blog audiences reach approximately 300 million people.
Kazakh Tourism said it would support participants in creating tens of thousands of social media posts about Kazakhstan. The aim is to reach potential visitors worldwide.
Thailand considers a 450-baht tourism fee
Thailand’s National Tourism Policy Committee has approved a proposal to charge foreign visitors 450 baht per person. The plan will undergo public consultation and further review before being submitted to the Cabinet for final approval.
The government aims to introduce the fee in the first quarter of 2027. It plans to apply the fee to air arrivals first, followed by land and sea arrivals. Revenue would fund tourism facilities, visitor insurance and safety measures.
Thailand is also considering additional insurance requirements for visitors taking part in higher-risk activities or using vehicles, motorcycles and jet skis.
Russian visitor numbers to Hainan could approach 700,000
Winter travel demand from Russia to Hainan has nearly doubled, supported by more direct flights and expanded tour programs. Hainan welcomed 378,098 Russian visitors in the first half of 2026, up 68.4% from a year earlier. The island aims to receive nearly 700,000 by year-end.
China, including Hainan, now accounts for 7.4% of Russian winter tour bookings, up from 3.1% last year, and ranks fourth among destinations. Hainan’s winter tour sales have grown by 15%, outpacing sales for Thai resorts. Packages with connecting flights and a four-star hotel stay with breakfast start at RUB 117,000 for two people.
————————————————
Source: Korean Tourism Organization Data Lab
[Local Governments & Tourism Industry] Korea Tourism Update: 14-20 September
[Kazakhstan] Key Tourism Market Trend (August, 2026)
Leave a Reply