Incheon, South Korea – The Incheon Port Authority (IPA) announced on June 23rd that it is launching a collaborative marketing campaign to boost passenger numbers on the South Korea-China passenger-cargo ferry routes. The initiative aims to revitalize these crucial maritime links and bring passenger traffic back to pre-pandemic levels.
Passenger-cargo ferries have long served as a vital bridge between South Korea and China, facilitating trade and tourism. However, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted these routes, leading to a sharp decline in passenger numbers. Recognizing the importance of these routes to the regional economy, the IPA is taking proactive steps to stimulate demand.
As part of this campaign, the IPA hosted a delegation of Chinese travel agencies specializing in tourism products related to the Incheon-Shidao and Incheon-Qingdao routes from June 22nd to 26th. The visit showcased Incheon’s diverse tourism offerings, including medical tourism, historical experiences, traditional tea ceremonies, and yoga retreats. The IPA hopes to entice Chinese tour operators to include Incheon in their itineraries, thereby increasing passenger flow on the ferries.
The IPA’s efforts are particularly timely, as the South Korean government plans to implement a visa-free entry program for Chinese group tourists in the second half of the year. This policy shift is expected to significantly boost tourism from China, and the IPA intends to capitalize on this opportunity by extending its promotional activities to other South Korea-China ferry routes.
The goal is to restore passenger traffic to pre-pandemic levels. In May of this year, the total number of passengers on the seven routes connecting Incheon Port to Chinese cities reached 42,629. While a positive sign, this figure remains significantly lower than the 87,519 passengers recorded during the same period in 2019, before the pandemic disrupted global travel.
The Incheon Port Authority’s proactive marketing campaign, coupled with the upcoming visa-free policy, signals a strong commitment to revitalizing passenger traffic on the South Korea-China ferry routes. By showcasing Incheon’s diverse attractions and fostering collaboration with Chinese travel agencies, the IPA aims to restore these vital maritime links to their former prominence, boosting both tourism and economic ties between the two nations.
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