Looking to unite North and South

Korea by Karen Maxwell

Looking to unite North and South

As the world speculates about the first signs of unity between North and South Korea, the Korea National Tourism Organisation will be celebrating the country’s improved political climate during its promotional push at World Travel Market called Visit Korea Year 2001.

KNTO UK sales manager Nigel Lloyd said: “Barriers are coming down slowly. Both sides are committed to relinking the railway between Seoul and Pyong Yang (the west side of North Korea) next September. This will herald the beginning of tourist traffic from China through both North and South Korea.

“Hopefully a gateway to Europe will follow once the second phase linking Seoul through Wonsan to the Russian Trans-Siberian Express is given the go-ahead.”

Representatives will also be on hand to provide information about ‘Visit Korea Year 2001’.

WTM aim: the country will promote its ‘Visit Korea Year 2001’ campaign

World Cup

The 2002 FIFA World Cup will also be featured prominently on Korean National Tourism Organisation’s stand. Korea will have 10 venues starting with the opening match in Seoul. New stadiums being built for the championship are due for completion in December next year.

KNTO UK sales manager Nigel Lloyd, said the organisation intends to use WTM to showcase new hotel projects being built within easy access of some of the venues. Commenting on the two types of tickets available – team and venue specific – Lloyd said: “Korea tends to be sold in the UK on a tailor-made basis because people’s specific needs are individual and difficult to tie in with a package. This two-tier ticket option allows the visitor to either follow their team, or visit a particular region.”

Agent Alert

&#42 Regent Holidays inBristol has introduced its World brochure, featuring South Korea for the first time. Experienced offering in countries such as North Korea, China and the former Soviet Union, it has added two itineraries in South Korea that anticipate a possible North-South link oncetravelling restrictions are lifted. An 11-day itinerary combines Seoul with the southeast region of Kyuongju, Pusan and also Chejudo,before returning to Seoul. It costs £1,142 perperson.