The Korean government has declared the upcoming year as 2012 Korea Convention Year. This will strategically overlap with the final year of the Visit Korea Year 2010–2012 campaign.

During 2012, convention centers and hotels will offer discounts on meetings venues up to 30 percent off published rates. Hotels will offer up to 40-percent discount on rooms, complimentary room upgrade and welcome amenities for designated guests.

The qualified may arrange complimentary site inspection trips, and discounts will be available on Korean Air and Asiana Airlines. Traditional performances tickets, souvenirs, tour programs and more may also be provided for qualified events.

Together with the Korea MICE Alliance, the effort unites bureaus, destination management companies and congress organizers to maximize each city’s incentive plans. On a national level, Korea Tourism Organization will increase subsidies to MICE event organizers.

To qualify, conventions must meet the Union of International Associations meeting standards while incentive tours and corporate meetings should have more than 100 participants.

The event, which may take place between 2012 and 2015, is required to confirm that Korea will be its host country during the year 2012. Events with more than 500 participants from the Asian region only or those with more than 1,000 international participants may qualify for airline discounts.

Korea Tourism Organization, mice@knto.or.kr, www.knto.or.kr