In 2025, TPO shares key year-end updates, including the relocation of its Secretariat to Busan Administrative Complex Town and the admission of 18 new member cities and organizations.
Secretariat Relocation: Enhancing Organizational Capacity
On November 28 2025, TPO moved its Secretariat to a Busan administrative complex Town. The move enhances the working environment of the Secretariat and supports more efficient coordination with member cities and partner organizations, reinforcing TPO’s operational capacity as its activities continue to expand.
Welcoming 18 New Members: Expanding the TPO Network
In 2025, TPO welcomes a total of 18 new member cities and organizations through its formal membership approval process. Applications are first reviewed by the 44th Executive Committee, followed by final approval at the 12th General Assembly held in September.
The newly admitted members represent a diverse range of regions, with a notable increase in members from Korea, alongside participation from other countries, including:
• Category 1
– Malaysia (1): Miri
– Mongolia (1): Umnugovi Province
– Korea (10): Haman county, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, Geochang County, Goseong-gun, Hapcheon-gun, Sancheong-gun, Uiryeong County, Changnyeong-gun, Hamyang-gun,
– Kazakhstan (1): Aktau
• Category 2
– Institution (1): Gyeongnam Tourism Organization
• Category 3
– Business (3): MICE Dot, Green Trip, MICE KING
This expansion underscores growing interest in TPO’s platform and further strengthens its role in promoting cooperation among cities and tourism-related organizations.
Looking Ahead: New Leadership and the 2026 TPO Forum
Looking ahead, TPO prepares for the launch of its new Executive Committee with Busan as President City and Gimhae and Kota Kinabalu as the new Co-President Cities. The new leadership was elected at the 12th TPO General Assembly held in September in Ho Chi Minh City and will guide the organization’s strategic direction for the next two years starting in 2026.
• Executive Committee member (2026-2027)
Busan, Fukuoka, Gimhae, Guangzhou, Ho Chi Minh City, Ipoh, Jakarta, Jeonju, Kota Kinabalu, Samarkand, Sanya and Taichung
• The 10th TPO Forum (September, 2026)
In September next year, the 10th TPO Forum will be held in Taichung, providing an important platform for policy dialogue, knowledge exchange, and cooperation among member cities and organizations.
Together, these developments mark a meaningful close to 2025 and set the stage for TPO’s continued growth and engagement in the year ahead.
Tourism Scope 