SOUTH Korea is experiencing a surge in travellers from the Middle East and industry players have plans to encourage more arrivals from this valuable market.
Arrivals from the Middle East totalled 89,200 in 2010 but soared past 168,000 last year, and would have been higher had South Korea not been adversely affected by the MERS outbreak.
Trade members interviewed suggest that the surge can be attributed to the popularity of South Korean television soap operas in the Middle East, as well as the renown of plastic surgery clinics there.
To better attract guests and to serve the religious needs of many Middle East travellers, top hotels have also begun providing prayer mats, a Koran and a compass that indicates the direction of Mecca. As well, hotels have been increasingly making halal meals available for guests.
Attracting travellers from the Middle East have become key for many South Korean hotels as they are known to be high spenders.
Statistics from Korea Tourism Organisation indicate that while a Japanese tourist will spend around 1.1 million won (US$968) and a Chinese visitor about 2.2 million won in South Korea, a guest from the Middle East on average splashes out more than 3.5 million won during his or her stay.
