#South Korea #Tourism #Busan #HIS

Collaboration Between HIS and Busan Tourism Authority

In a landmark initiative aimed at boosting tourism from Japan to the picturesque city of Busan, the leading Japanese travel agency, HIS (H.I.S. Co., Ltd.), has signed a business collaboration agreement with the Busan Tourism Authority. This partnership highlights a shared commitment to fostering tourism growth and creating sustainable exchanges between the two regions.

Increasing Tourism Trends

Recent statistics from the Busan Metropolitan City, released in May 2026, signal a remarkable surge in tourist numbers. From January to March of this year alone, foreign tourist arrivals in Busan exceeded 1.02 million, marking the fastest pace since the official tracking began in 2014. Moreover, the year 2025 saw the city welcoming over 3 million tourists for the first time, emphasizing Busan's rising status as a popular travel destination.

This unprecedented increase in tourism demand motivated HIS and the Busan Tourism Authority to solidify their partnership through this agreement, aiming to amplify Japanese tourist visits to the city.

Key Elements of the Agreement

The business collaboration agreement, which will be in effect from May 22, 2026, to May 21, 2028, encompasses several strategic cooperation areas:
1. Joint Marketing Initiatives: Collaborating on marketing and promotional activities to attract tourists to Busan through effective utilization of tourism content.
2. Shared Tourism Resources: Establishing a cooperative platform within the travel industry for sharing tourism information.
3. Special Interest Tours (SIT): Jointly inviting tourism-focused groups to explore Busan's unique offerings.
4. Cultural Exchange Programs: Identifying distinctive tourism cooperation projects based on international exchange demands.
5. Joint Product Development: Collaboratively designing tourism products and conducting promotional activities.
6. Promotional Fam Tours: Supporting promotional activities to develop and operate Busan tourism products through familiarization tours.

Exclusive Year-End Experience

Adding to the excitement, HIS has announced an exclusive event as part of this collaboration. On December 31, 2026, HIS will operate a private charter of the highly popular Haeundae River Cruise in Busan, providing an extraordinary year-end experience. Unlike standard shared tours, this event promises a luxurious private space complemented with warm beverages and commemorative gifts, showcasing the unique offerings of HIS as the travelers celebrate New Year’s Eve.

Conclusion

Through this partnership, both HIS and the Busan Tourism Authority are poised to enhance the travel experience for Japanese tourists, ensuring a mutually beneficial relationship that contributes to sustainable tourism development. As Busan continues to grow in popularity, this collaboration aligns with ongoing efforts to create enriching experiences for visitors, fostering a deeper cultural exchange between Japan and South Korea.

With the collaborative efforts underway, it’s an exciting time to explore what Busan has to offer, paving the way for more tourists to discover this vibrant city.

For those interested in unique travel experiences, keep your eyes on upcoming announcements from HIS as this partnership unfolds, promising a new era of tourism connections.