'Korea tensions led to pent-up demand among tourists'

Tensions between North and South Korea, which broke out in February this year, may have given rise to safety concerns but has not affected the tourism sector.

In fact, according to the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), "the tensions have built up pent-up demand among international travellers over the last few months."

To substantiate this, KTO pointed out that South Korea received 4.4 million tourists in the first five months of 2013, up 1.8 per cent over the same period last year. KTO expects it to increase for the rest of the year.

In view of the tensions between the two countries, there have been significant concerns among industry members and public regarding safety, thus impacting the tourism industry. However, actual visitor arrival figures prove otherwise and Korea maintains its vitality as usual, KTO New Delhi office director, Lee Jae Sang, said.

Nevertheless, KTO has embarked upon a promotional campaign and held a meeting here on Thursday to woo tourists. It is currently promoting 'Visit Year of BUG 2013' , an acronym of Busan city, Ulsan city and Gyeongnam-do province.