South Korea’s hospitality sector faces challenges as political turmoil sparks travel cancellations, raising concerns about safety and tourism recovery.
South Korea’s tourism industry, which contributed ₩84.7 trillion ($59.1 billion) or 3.8% of GDP in 2023, faces new challenges as political unrest deters visitors. The recent six-hour martial law, later rescinded, has led to some trip cancellations and a slight drop in hotel bookings.
Accor Group reported a 5% rise in cancellations, and the Korea Tourism Start-up Association noted declining bookings for early 2025. Hotels in Seoul, previously fully booked, now offer discounts to attract guests. Concerns extend to medical tourism, with some foreign patients cancelling appointments.
The "Korean Wave" of cultural exports and reputation for safety are key to South Korea’s tourism strategy, but ongoing protests could hinder growth in sectors like MICE tourism.
Experts believe the impact may be temporary if stability returns, while others remain optimistic about travel demand, particularly from China, South Korea’s largest visitor source.
Democrat Zohran Mamdani officially took office as New York City’s mayor on Thursday, beginning his term with a public swearing-in ceremony on the st...
Around 40 people dead and approximately 115 others injured, many of them seriously, after a fire broke out at a bar in the Swiss ski resort town of Cr...
Several people have been killed during nationwide unrest in Iran, according to Iranian media and rights groups, as protests over currency collapse and...
India has approved a major arms deal with Israel valued at approximately $8.7 billion, highlighting the deepening defence partnership between the two ...
Bulgaria marked its entry into the euro zone on Thursday with a display of euro coins on the front of the central bank in the capital, Sofia....
South Korea’s special prosecutor has requested a 10-year prison sentence for former president Yoon Suk Yeol, accusing him of attempting to obstruct his arrest following his failed bid to impose martial law.
The year 2025 was marked by a series of devastating natural disasters worldwide, from wildfires and storms to floods. North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East faced severe challenges as extreme weather destroyed homes, claimed lives and disrupted daily life.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 26th of December, covering the latest developments you need to know.
A man fatally stabbed two teenagers and seriously injured a third before falling from a motel window to his death in Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province, local authorities reported.
Dozens of people are feared dead and around 100 others injured after an explosion tore through a crowded bar during New Year’s Eve celebrations at the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, authorities said.
The Russian radio station known as 'Doomsday Radio' (or UVB-76) unexpectedly began playing ‘Swan Lake’, music from a ballet composition. The last time this was done was during the deaths of Soviet-era leaders and the 1991 coup.
Protests in Iran over soaring prices and a plunging rial have spread to universities in Tehran, as students join shopkeepers and bazaar merchants in demanding government action. With inflation above 42% and the rial at record lows, unrest continues to grow across the country.
As Russia’s war in Ukraine enters its fourth year, rising casualties, economic struggles, and mounting unrest expose cracks in society. Despite Kremlin propaganda, frustration is growing as more Russians question the government’s narrative, according to The Washington Post.
Chelsea Football Club have parted ways with manager Enzo Maresca, after the London side have won just one of their last seven English Premier League games.
Democrat Zohran Mamdani officially took office as New York City’s mayor on Thursday, beginning his term with a public swearing-in ceremony on the steps of City Hall.
Around 40 people dead and approximately 115 others injured, many of them seriously, after a fire broke out at a bar in the Swiss ski resort town of Crans-Montana on New Year’s Eve, Swiss police said on Thursday.
India has approved a major arms deal with Israel valued at approximately $8.7 billion, highlighting the deepening defence partnership between the two countries.
Bulgaria marked its entry into the euro zone on Thursday with a display of euro coins on the front of the central bank in the capital, Sofia.
Chelsea Football Club have parted ways with manager Enzo Maresca, after the London side have won just one of their last seven English Premier League games.
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