Survey reveals key factors in selecting host city for APEC Summit 2025

Which city is best suited to serve as the host city for the 2025 APEC Summit? (Source: LICA) [INCHEON FREE ECONOMIC ZONE]

Global research company LICA conducted an online survey regarding selecting a host city for the APEC Summit, to be held in Korea in 2025.

The survey took place between April 14 and May 17 and was conducted online targeting foreigners.

It received responses from 163 individuals, including public officials and civilians residing in Korea and abroad from both APEC member and nonmember countries.

Concerning the important factors for selecting the host city for the APEC Summit, 45 percent of respondents cited the importance of conference infrastructure and the convenience of hosting.

This was followed by the development of the host city (18 percent), cultural infrastructure such as culture, tourism, and entertainment (17 percent), securement of the safety of APEC leaders (10 percent) and maximizing the post-event utilization of the host location (10 percent).

As for the advantages of Korea that should be communicated to APEC leaders, the top response was the world-class economy achieved through rapid industrial development in a short period of time (60 percent). This answer was supported by 72 percent of foreign public officials residing in Korea.

This was followed by Korea's 5,000-year-old history and cultural heritage (17 percent), the country’s mature democracy that respects diversity (12 percent), security capabilities and stabilized public safety (7 percent) and excellent natural environments such as forests and archipelagoes (4 percent).

In terms of the expected benefits of hosting the APEC Summit, the top-ranked answer was the enhancement of Korea's image and national competitiveness through international cooperation (57 percent).

This was followed by the improvement of citizens’ mindset toward international cooperation (24 percent), the promotion of balanced regional development in Korea (12 percent) and the strengthening of Korea's security capabilities and the necessity of spreading peace on the Korean Peninsula (7 percent).

As for the necessary conditions required for the continued use of conference facilities and various social infrastructures after the APEC Summit, the accessibility of conference facilities for citizens was selected as the top priority (41 percent).

This was followed by the ability to maintain and manage conference facilities (39 percent) in second place, with the number of domestic and international tourists (20 percent) in third place.

In this category there existed a contrast in priorities between citizens of APEC member countries and nonmember countries. The former placed more importance on the accessibility of conference facilities for citizens (46 percent), while the latter considered the ability to maintain and manage conference facilities more important (53 percent).

Regarding concerns on specific management during the APEC Summit, 44 percent of respondents pointed out language communication barriers.

This was followed by the host city’s inadequate management of the event (27 percent), the distance between the airport and the accommodation and conference facilities (16 percent), as well as accommodation, transportation and communication facilities which fail to meet global standards (13 percent).

In particular, public officials selected the distance between the airport and the accommodation and conference facilities (43 percent) as the biggest concern. Contrarily, civilians voiced language communication difficulties (45 percent) as their main concern.

As for the most suitable city to host the APEC Summit, a city that demonstrates the economic growth status of current times and illuminates the blueprint for future prospects (69 percent) was selected as the top choice.

This response was provided by 93 percent of foreign public officials while 72 percent of citizens from APEC member countries also chose this option.

This was followed by a city that can showcase its rich historical tradition and culture (23 percent) and a city with beautiful natural landscapes (8 percent).

Answers to the inquiry about the top priorities for the host city to pursue after it is selected for the APEC Summit are as follows: organizational restructuring, budget allocation and staffing to ensure the successful hosting of the event (31 percent), establishing a monthly work plan and master plan for preparing for the summit (23 percent), supplementing conference-related infrastructure such as conference venues, communication, transportation and accommodation facilities (19 percent), and active promotion and dissemination of information about Korea and APEC member countries (19 percent).

In addition, aligning the cityscape and, if necessary, installing landmarks to commemorate the hosting of the APEC Summit (8 percent).

BY JEONG SEONWU [jeong.seonwu@joongang.co.kr]

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