Seoul Named World’s No. 2 Entertainment Travel Destination at Saudi TOURISE Awards



 

Seoul has been ranked the world’s No. 2 destination for entertainment travel at Saudi Arabia’s inaugural TOURISE Awards, highlighting the city’s growing global appeal as a cultural and leisure hub, the Seoul Metropolitan Government said Thursday.

The awards, hosted by the Saudi Tourism Authority and backed by the Saudi government, were held on November 11 in Riyadh. The event evaluated global tourism data and expert panel reviews across five categories: entertainment, art and culture, food and cuisine, shopping, and adventure.

Seoul placed second in the entertainment category, following Tokyo, and also made the top 20 for food and shopping destinations.

Organizers cited Seoul’s blend of innovation and culture, the global influence of K-pop, cutting-edge entertainment technology, and its vibrant nightlife as key strengths that make the city stand out among global travel destinations.

Other category winners included New York for art and culture, Tokyo for cuisine, Paris for shopping, and Ancash, Peru, for adventure.

Lee Jae-hwa, head of the city’s tourism industry division, said the recognition underscores Seoul’s potential as a leading global destination. “We will continue to develop distinctive tourism content and innovative services to make Seoul a city that captures the hearts of travelers worldwide,” he said.

Source :  http://koreabizwire.com/337536/337536

Comprehension

Which city ranked No. 2 in the entertainment travel category at the TOURISE Awards?
Who hosted the TOURISE Awards?
Where and when were the awards held?
How were the destinations evaluated for the awards?
Which city ranked No. 1 in the entertainment category?
In which additional categories did Seoul make the top 20?
What strengths did organizers highlight about Seoul?
What did Lee Jae-hwa say about the significance of the recognition for Seoul?

Discussion

Why do you think Seoul is becoming more popular as a global travel destination?
How has K-pop influenced the image of South Korea internationally?
What aspects of entertainment do you think make a city attractive to tourists?
Do you agree with Seoul ranking behind Tokyo in entertainment? Why or why not?
Which category—entertainment, culture, food, shopping, or adventure—matters the most to you when choosing a travel destination?
How do cultural awards like the TOURISE Awards influence tourism?
What unique experiences does Seoul offer that other cities may not?
How can a city balance tourism growth with the quality of life for local residents?
Are technology-based attractions (VR, interactive art, digital shows) important to modern tourists?
If you could improve one aspect of Seoul’s tourism, what would it be?

Vocabulary

Inaugural – Happening for the first time; the beginning of something.
Evaluate – To judge or assess something based on certain criteria.
Category – A group used to classify things with similar characteristics.
Innovation – New and creative ideas, technology, or methods.
Vibrant – Energetic, lively, and full of activity.
Hub – A central place where important activities happen.
Cutting-edge – Very modern and advanced; the newest technology or ideas.
Recognition – Acknowledgment or praise given for an achievement.