Gangwon Tourism Foundation joins IMEX America
Province expands global network to attract international conferences
November trail sports conference also promoted
Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, home to a range of convention centers and unique venues set against pristine natural landscapes of mountains, coastlines, mineral springs and hot springs, has taken its MICE strengths to the United States, showcasing the region's assets in Las Vegas.
According to the Gangwon Tourism Foundation on Monday, a provincial delegation participated in IMEX America 2026, a leading global MICE trade show held in Las Vegas from Tuesday to Thursday, to promote Gangwon's tourism appeal and conduct global marketing aimed at attracting international conferences and other MICE groups.
IMEX America is one of the world's premier MICE trade shows, drawing more than 20,000 industry professionals — including international meeting planners — from around the globe.
The foundation highlighted Gangwon's international conference infrastructure — including its hotels, resorts and meeting facilities — and promoted tourism programs built around the province's natural scenery and year-round attractions. The delegation emphasized Gangwon as a destination where international conferences and incentive travel can be enjoyed together.
A particular focus was the 2026 International Trail Sports Conference (ITSC), being developed as a locally distinctive international conference under the Korea Tourism Organization's 2026 Global K-Convention Promotion Project. The foundation presented it as a model for combining Gangwon's natural and tourism resources with international meetings. The event is scheduled to be held at Oak Valley in Wonju from Nov. 6 to Nov. 7.
The delegation also held business consultations with global buyers, including international conference organizers and travel agencies, to highlight Gangwon's potential as a conference destination and discuss strategies for attracting events and building future partnerships.
Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province and the foundation plan to build on the overseas networks established at the trade show by continuing to pursue conference bids and follow-up consultations. They also intend to strengthen their attraction marketing efforts — working with MICE facilities and the tourism industry across the province — to convert those contacts into actual international conferences and incentive travel group visits by foreign companies.
abc@heraldcorp.com
