OWL Magazine Korea

2023 Seoul International Travel Mart (SITM)

The Seoul International Travel Mart (SITM) is an annual event. While demand for travel was sluggish for a while due to the aftermath of COVID-19, it has been gradually increasing again in the post-pandemic era.

Despite the COVID-19 situation, the Seoul International Travel Mart has continued to be held, and in the year 2023, it naturally took place in the post-pandemic era. The difference from before is that while it used to be held at COEX in Gangnam, this time it was held at the “Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP).”

“2023 Seoul International Travel Mart (SITM) Event”

The Seoul International Travel Mart, organized by the Seoul Tourism Foundation, was held at Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) from June 20th to 24th for a duration of five days. The event, named “2023 Seoul International Travel Mart (SITM),” provided various opportunities, including business-to-business (B2B) meetings for companies to discuss new tourism products, introduce recent tourism trends, and promote local tourism resources.

“Marking its 9th Edition, Seoul International Travel Mart”

The Seoul International Travel Mart celebrated its 9th edition this year. The event included buyer pre-tours, corporate business consultations, opening ceremonies, operation of tourism promotion booths, and Seoul tourism seminars.

“A Event Featuring Meetings Between Various Buyers and Sellers”

The Seoul International Travel Mart is not a well-known event for the general public. Since the main events are conducted as business-to-business (B2B) meetings, it remains relatively unknown to the general public.

However, as many companies participate, it is an event where participating companies can gain a lot. It provides an excellent opportunity to meet various buyers from overseas and establish networks abroad.

If you operate a travel agency, this is one of the events you should not miss.

“The Event Conducted Through On-Site and Video Consultations”

The event was conducted in two formats: on-site consultations on the 21st and 22nd at DDP Art Hall, and video consultations online for two days on the 23rd and 24th.

“The Event Held at DDP in 2023”

While the event in 2022 took place at COEX in Gangnam, the 2023 event was held at DDP. In last year’s event held in Gangnam, the booths were relatively close together, and the space was tight compared to the participating companies, which sometimes felt a bit cramped. In particular, there was a time when it was awkward because there was not enough space secured for a break during meetings.

However, in the event held at DDP, the use of space was noticeably more spacious compared to COEX in Gangnam, giving a more open and refreshing feeling. Additionally, a designated rest area provided the opportunity to handle urgent tasks with laptops, and a space to briefly rest and organize meeting notes after the meetings.

Although due to other commitments, I could only participate for a very short time this time, it was still an event where I could feel the unique enthusiasm of the Travel Mart.

“2023 Seoul International Travel Mart”