Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) has taken full advantage of 'London 2012' and some of London's most recognisable landmarks as a platform to really raise the awareness of Korea. The eyes of the world were focussed on London for the Olympics and KTO has invested heavily to make sure they were seen and heard! Standing next to 'Eros' Statue gazing up at the Piccadilly Lites and part of the historic neon signage pulsated with the advertisement to 'recharge your energy' and 'Visit Korea'.
Wandering down towards Knightsbridge, 'Team Korea House' the official residence of the Korean Olympic Committee based within the historic 'Royal Thames Yacht Club', came into view. Within the wood-panelled walls of the club visitors were able to try hand-acupuncture machines, watch a troupe of mini-robots dance to the latest K-Pop sounds, try on traditional 'Hanbok’ clothing and of course learn about Korea's forthcoming sporting events most notably the ‘Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics’.
On the second floor the sounds of Korea emanated from the drums and dancing performers who had made their way from the North Asian country. Onto Knightsbridge and Saatchi Gallery still currently presents the 'Korean Eye' exhibition showcasing the largest survey of new Korean art to date, and highlights an exciting group of artists who have recently emerged on the global art scene.
Korean popular culture is riding the crest a wave known as ‘Hallyu’ that is reverberating far beyond the boundaries of Asia. The prime example is ‘K-Pop’ which has now become a global phenomenon with a very healthy following of fanatical fans. So much so that the Korea Tourism Organisation set up a two-week workshop in ‘Chelsea's Old Town Hall’ under the banner 'Let's learn K-Pop', where visitors had the chance to sing in front of vocal coaches and learn some steps from K-Pop dance tutors.
Korea, however, was one of many ‘National Houses’ who turned the capital into one big ‘open house party’! For the MICE sector of the UK and part of London's 2012 legacy is the unique exposure of some of its best venues across the city.
If visitors had the stamina of an Olympic athlete they may well have tried visiting ‘Casa’ Italia at The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre; ‘Austria House Tirol’ at Trinity House; the Germans who took over the 'Museum of London Docklands' and the Swiss who sat on the banks of the Thames at Glaziers Hall, plus many more national houses dotted all over the capital.
Brazil were encamped in Somerset House and of course this remains a pivotal time for the destination to continue their campaign to welcome people to Brazil over the next four years. On Monday August 13th, the Ministry of Tourism, through EMBRATUR - Brazilian Tourist Board invited the world to visit Brazil with the unveiling of a stunning water projection.
The River Thames in London provided the backdrop to an explosion of colours, lights, sights and sounds that brought a taste of what visitors can experience only in Brazil to the UK's capital. Flavio Dino, the President of Embratur commented: “The ongoing campaign to promote tourism in Brazil will continue to emphasise the hospitality which is the most prominent features of Brazilian people. We celebrated an historic record of international arrivals in June this year, which Rio+20 contributed toward, and this is proof that Brazil’s strategy for hosting mega-events is really hitting the mark”.
Roll-on Rio 2016!