Virtuoso will be holding its 2026 symposium in Seoul, South Korea, on April 15-19 next year. The event is expected to bring together around 400 senior travel industry figures from over 35 countries for five days of networking, business development, and on-the-ground exploration.
The announcement was made during the 2025 Virtuoso Symposium, which took place on May 13-17 aboard Crystal Serenity. The chartered voyage sailed from Barcelona to Marseille, with stops in Portofino, Monaco, and other ports. Executive vice president David Kolner shared recent performance data, including a 14 per cent year-on-year rise in first-quarter sales and a 26 per cent increase in cruise bookings.
Held in a different country each year, Virtuoso’s symposium is positioned as a driver of tourism growth. Previous host destinations, such as Slovenia, have reported significant impacts. Following Virtuoso’s 2024 Chairman’s Event, Slovenia saw a 473 per cent increase in bookings for summer 2025.
South Korea is emerging as a key player in luxury travel. In Seoul, historic palaces sit beside modern skyscrapers, and Michelin-starred restaurants operate alongside street food stalls. Visitors can take part in private temple stays, wellness experiences, and traditional craft workshops. Supported by strong infrastructure and high service standards, South Korea offers a blend of exclusivity and cultural depth.
Virtuoso’s senior vice president, global events, Jennifer Campbell, said: “From the deeply rooted traditions of Seoul’s palaces to the innovation in its design, wellness and technology sectors, South Korea represents the future of luxury travel – one that blends meaning, beauty and human connection. The country’s unique appeal, cultural richness and diverse range of experiences make it essential for our members and partners to explore and understand all that South Korea has to offer.”
“By showcasing South Korea’s unique blend of timeless tradition and modern sophistication to the world’s most influential travel leaders, we aim to deepen global appreciation for the country’s exceptional offerings in culture, wellness, cuisine and innovation,” added Hee-jin Cho, executive director of the Korea Tourism Organisation’s Americas Centre.
