Korea promotes itself as cruise destination in Florida

Korea will step up efforts to promote a wide selection of cruise travel programs at a global trade fair next week to attract more travelers from abroad, the maritime ministry said Sunday.

Korean officials from the Oceans and Tourism Ministries as well as local travel agencies will be present at the Seatrade Cruise Global 2018 gathering, which will kick off in Florida on Monday for a four-day run. They aim to introduce local cruise programs at the leading industry exhibition.

Over 700 companies from 130 countries are expected to attend this year’s event, which is expected to draw about 11,000 participants, its organizer said.

On Tuesday, Korea will host a welcome reception jointly with five other Asian locations - Hainan, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Taiwan and Xiamen - for 700 industry and government officials.

About 4,000 travelers from Taiwan will visit the southwestern port city of Yeosu aboard a cruise ship in the first half of this year to tour major sights in the area, the ministry said.

Yonhap