The Busan Cruise Tourism Association, a nonprofit corporation, held its first general meeting on March 12. At the meeting, members approved the association’s first president and finalized its key project plans for 2026, officially kicking off its activities.
The association said on March 13 that Choi Jae-hyung, CEO of Busan TNC, was confirmed as the inaugural president. He will lead the group using his wide-ranging networks in shipping and tourism.
Officially launched in December, the association’s priorities this year include developing local inbound travel agencies, training cruise specialists, expanding networks with overseas cruise lines and travel agencies, and hosting international conferences. The aim is to build an industry foundation that allows local businesses to lead port-call tourism and to create a springboard for entering global markets.
Busan’s cruise industry is expanding quickly. With the government targeting 1.7 million cruise visitors, Busan Port recorded a record 237 cruise calls last year and is expecting 447 cruise calls this year.
Newly appointed president Choi Jae-hyung said, “By coordinating efforts among Busan’s tourism companies, we will generate real economic benefits for the local economy through cruise tourism. We’ll do everything we can to help Busan become Asia’s leading homeport cruise city.”
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