Busan, South Korea — As part of a broader initiative to enhance travel accessibility and stimulate regional tourism, the city of Busan will host the 2024 Air Travel Market from October 31 to November 1 at Busan City Hall. In collaboration with Korea Airports Corporation, the event provides locals and tourists access to discounted flights, travel packages, and travel-related promotions, showcasing Busan’s commitment to revitalizing international and domestic travel routes through Gimhae Airport.
Running from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. across two days, the Air Travel Market will feature booths from 10 prominent travel-related companies, including major airlines like Air Busan, Singapore Airlines, and Finnair. Travel agencies such as Mode Tour and Hana Tour will also participate, offering exclusive packages and consultations for future travel. Duty-free outlets like Lotte Duty-Free are set to provide discount coupons redeemable at Gimhae Airport, rounding out a diverse array of benefits tailored to budget-conscious travelers.
Highlights include special discount flights for both domestic and international routes. Air Busan, a local carrier, is set to offer domestic flight tickets from as low as 39,900 KRW (about $30 USD) and international flights, such as round trips to Hong Kong, at a competitive price of 249,000 KRW (around $185 USD). This initiative not only grants travelers a chance to explore new destinations affordably but also contributes to Gimhae Airport’s goal of increasing international passenger traffic.
The Air Travel Market is a key component of Busan’s tourism development strategy, now in its fifth year of operation. This annual event was initially lBy attracting both local and international attendees, the event fosters long-term growth for small businesses, hotels, and attractions around Busan. The city envisions that events like this will continue to solidify its reputation as a top-tier destination in Asia, aligning with its goal of achieving 3 million international visitors annually by 2026.aunched to promote local tourism and stimulate economic recovery in the post-pandemic era. It plays a crucial role in positioning Busan as a prominent destination in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly as the city grows its Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) offerings.
“We aim to attract more diverse tourists and maximize the use of Gimhae Airport’s international facilities,” a Busan city official said, underscoring the event’s role in furthering Busan’s reputation as a global travel hub. The city has witnessed a significant rise in international visitor numbers, hitting over 1.38 million in the first half of 2024, a testament to its growing appeal. With travelers increasingly seeking immersive experiences, Busan’s initiatives combine tourism with cultural offerings, positioning it as an attractive destination for both leisure and business travelers.
Busan’s Air Travel Market coincides with a strong resurgence in the Asia-Pacific travel market, where international travel demand has surged back to near pre-pandemic levels. Asian routes, particularly within the Asia-Pacific region, continue to see growth as regional economic conditions stabilize, and flight capacities increase. This resurgence positions Busan well to capitalize on current travel trends, attracting tourists looking for affordable travel options within Asia.
With discounts on popular routes and perks like airport duty-free vouchers, the Air Travel Market leverages Busan’s strategic geographic location and its robust local tourism infrastructure to make travel accessible to a broad audience. As airlines and travel agencies offer limited-time promotions, locals and international travelers alike have a unique opportunity to secure budget-friendly travel solutions.
For those looking to secure affordable travel options, the 2024 Air Travel Market presents an ideal opportunity. With a wide array of offers from discounted tickets to duty-free perks, the event emphasizes Busan’s commitment to accessible and sustainable tourism. As Busan continues to expand its global reach, events like these are crucial stepping stones in achieving its vision of becoming a leading destination for both cultural exploration and business opportunities.
