From Regional to Global: Busan City Leads TPO into a New Era of Tourism

Busan, South Korea - In a move toward global tourism enhancement, Busan City has announced a pivotal change in the realm of international tourism collaboration. The Tourism Promotion Organization (TPO), initially focused on the Asia-Pacific region, has been rebranded as the Global City Tourism Promotion Organization. This renaming signifies a shift in the organization's scope from regional to worldwide, marking a new era in its history.

Established in 2002 at the 5th Asia-Pacific City Summit in Fukuoka, Japan, the TPO was born out of a collective vision shared by 25 city mayors across the region. It started as a collaborative effort to boost tourism among member cities. Since then, it has evolved into a significant international entity with 131 city governments and 56 private organizations as members as of January 2024. The headquarters of this esteemed organization is strategically located in Busan's Buk District, symbolizing the city's pivotal role in TPO's journey. Originally aimed at promoting tourism within the Asia-Pacific region, TPO's objectives have expanded over the years, now encompassing a broader, more global reach.

Decided at the 11th TPO General Meeting in Jeonju last September, this move aligns with the growing trend of international cooperation and collaboration in the tourism sector. It reflects an understanding that tourism promotion in today’s interconnected world transcends regional boundaries. This rebranding to 'Global City Tourism Promotion Organization' embodies an ambition to extend the scope of its activities and partnerships beyond the Asia-Pacific to encompass cities across Europe, North America, South America, the Middle East, and Africa.

The city of Busan, gearing up to embrace its new identity as a 'Global Hub City' by 2024, expects TPO’s initiatives to significantly contribute to its growth and development as a key axis of Korea’s future. Notably, this year, the 42nd TPO Executive Committee meeting and the 'Busan International Tourism City Forum' are set to be hosted in Busan, further emphasizing the city's integral role in TPO's global strategy.

Mayor Park Heong-joon, serving as the chairman of TPO, emphasizes the organization’s commitment to enhancing tourism services globally and contributing to regional peace. “Beyond our collaborative projects, TPO will continuously strive to provide superior services to tourists through various international meetings and conferences. We are dedicated to the advancement of the tourism industry and, by extension, to fostering regional peace,” stated Mayor Park. This rebranding and the subsequent strategic shift mark a new chapter for TPO and Busan, heralding a future where enhanced global cooperation and sustainable tourism development stand at the forefront.