Travel Agent - October 1, 2007 - (Page 49)

AGENTADVICE Paula Quon, travel consultant with San Francisco-based Supreme Travel, and president of the Northern California Chapter of ASTA, suggests first-time visitors to Seoul set aside some time to explore the historic temples and countryside surrounding the capital. “It’s an outdated opinion that Korea is primarily a shopping destination, or a place to experience by an escorted bus tour,” says Quon, who has traveled to Korea five times. “Korea may still be more of a stopover destination, but that will change when they emphasize the country’s culture and options for adventure travel, especially the hiking.” Quon recommends her clients spend at least a week in Korea to really experience the destination. Airport Amenities Meanwhile, guests visiting Incheon International Airport will now find that “passenger-friendly” is the buzz phrase for the facility. Amenities currently include an Internet lounge with bargainpriced access at five cents a minute, massage and sauna facilities with massage costing only $8 for 30 minutes, a children’s playroom, storage lockers free of charge up to one day, a Traditional Experience Korea location where visitors can learn about and make traditional Korean handicrafts and numerous restaurants and duty free shops. The airport also has a Transit Hotel (+8232-743-7433) with rooms from $45. Another Incheon International Airport perk is that access to the facility was improved with the completion of a 37-mile railway linking it with downtown Seoul. The construction of a second bridge connecting to Yongjong Island, where the airport is located, with the mainland is underway. When completed in 2009, the sixlane, 7.6 mile Incheon Grand Bridge will be the longest bridge in Korea and the sixth longest in the world. The operating body aims to make the airport a global top-five hub by 2010. Incheon International Airport currently ranks number 10 in international passenger traffic. “We’re quite sure we can become the hub of northeast Asia,” says Joon Jung, executive director, hub strategy division, Incheon International Airport Corporation. This year the airport will see 31 million international passengers; when the new terminal is completed, capacity will jump to 44 million. The airport will ultimately have two passenger terminals, four concourses and four runways. regency.hyatt.com) is a little over half a mile from the airport. The 523-room hotel, which primarily targets business travelers, has three floors of Regency Club rooms and suites that offer a greater level of service and amenities. Those seeking dramatic views of airplanes landing and taking off should opt for a standard room on the west side of the hotel. The standard room rate is $310 a night, double. Samuel Kim, director of marketing for the hotel, advises that spring and autumn are the busiest seasons and that it’s best to book three weeks out for midweek stays and six weeks out for weekend visits. The hotel’s travel agent liaison is Ginnie Park, sales manager (+82-32-745-1234, ginnie. park@hyatt.intl.com). The Best Western Premier Incheon Airport Hotel (www.bestwestern.com) is a half a mile from the airport. The 300-room hotel has meeting space for 300 and two restaurants. Call 800-780-7234 for reservations. Those with a desire to experience Seoul should consider the Park Hyatt Seoul (www. seoul.park.hyatt.com), in the stylish Gangnam district across the river from Seoul’s city center. This stunning 185-room hotel has a hip, Zenlike ambience. The travel agent liaison is Jennifer Lee, director of marketing (+82-2-20161251, jennifer.lee@hyattintl.com). I Hotels Options The Hyatt Regency Incheon (www.incheon. CONNECTING YOU For more information on Korea, including an update on Korea Airlines, visit www.travelagentcentral.com/korea October 1, 2007 TravelAgent | 49 http://www.incheon.regency.hyatt.com http://www.bestwestern.com http://www.seoul.park.hyatt.com http://www.seoul.park.hyatt.com http://www.travelagentcentral.com/korea http://www.incheon.regency.hyatt.com

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Online Now From the Editor From the Publisher Contributors Caribbena: Porta Caribe, Puerto Rico, an Unspoiled Retreat Carribbean Deals Mexico: Insider Tips: Hotels, Dining and Shopping in Cancun Mexico Deals Las Vegas: Tell Clients About Day Trips Into the Great Outdoors Europe: Budapest: Off-Season Promotions Pacific/Asia: Korea Expands its Offerings Seoul Primer: All the Info You Need For a Smooth Trip Pacific/Asia Deals Hawaii: Captivating Kauai: Enhanced Resorts, Natural Beauty Cruises: Building Revenue with Themed Cruises Cruise Deals Hotels: London: The Lanesborough’s New Guest Rooms Tours: Gutsy Women Travel’s New Morocco Itinerary Tour Deals Spas: Escape to Tranquility: Three Spa Havens Spa Deals Cover Story: Donna Flora Agent Profile Podcasts Offer a New Way to Give Your Clients Added Value Car Rental Navigation 101: Shift Profits into High Gear with These Tips Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar Cruise: Commission Cutting, Hurricanes Pitch Colombia, Impress Your Clients Malaysia’s Minister of Tourism New Alaska Products for Families In the Spotlight Editorial Index Advertising Index Classified Marketplace Trendwatch

Travel Agent - October 1, 2007

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