Gimhae City Confirmed as Host of the 13th General Assembly of the Global Tourism Promotion Organization in 2027

The 13th General Assembly of the Global Tourism Promotion Organization (TPO) will be held in Gimhae, Gyeongnam in 2027.

On the afternoon of September 5, Gyeongnam Province and Gimhae City announced that Gimhae City has been officially selected as the host city for the 13th General Assembly of TPO, a global consultative body for the development of the tourism industry.

Gimhae City in Gyeongnam has been selected as the host city for the 13th General Assembly of the Global Tourism Promotion Organization (TPO) in 2027. Photo by Gimhae City

Hong Taeyong, mayor of Gimhae City, attended the 12th General Assembly held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam from September 3 to 6, where he highlighted Gimhae's rich historical and cultural assets and its capacity to host international events, appealing for Gimhae to be chosen as the next host city.

The Gyeongnam Provincial Government, the Gyeongnam Tourism Foundation, the Gimhae Culture and Tourism Group, and delegations from cities and counties within the province also expressed their support for Gimhae's bid, garnering positive responses.

As a result, Gimhae was selected as the next host city for the TPO General Assembly through a vote by representatives of member cities in attendance.

This marks Gimhae's first achievement in attracting an international conference.

In addition, Gimhae City was elected as a co-chair city for the 12th term, and over the next two years will jointly lead the operation of TPO together with Busan, the chair city.

Hong Taeyong, mayor of Gimhae City, Gyeongnam, is emphasizing Gimhae City's capabilities to host the 13th General Assembly at the 12th General Assembly of the Global Tourism Promotion Organization (TPO). Provided by Gimhae City

The 13th TPO General Assembly in 2027 will be held over four days under the theme "Connecting Through Cultural Heritage: The Future of Cities, Culture, and Tourism."

During this period, various events such as expert discussions, a tourism business expo, a tourism roadshow, tourism workshops, and tours of tourist sites in connection with nearby cities and counties will take place.

Gyeongnam Province expects that the influx of representatives and officials from member cities during the assembly will generate diverse spending on accommodation, food and beverages, transportation, and more, thereby revitalizing the local economy.

The province also anticipates that the event will serve as an opportunity to share global tourism trends and strengthen international tourism exchange and cooperation, while providing a platform to promote the tourism resources of Gimhae and the province internationally, thereby raising Gyeongnam's recognition and global standing.

Furthermore, the assembly is expected to serve as a catalyst for attracting future international events and to contribute to strengthening the region's MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) competitiveness.

Mayor Hong stated, "Securing the assembly, delivering letters of intent for exchange, holding bilateral meetings on international policy, and presenting case studies have all demonstrated the international competitiveness of Gimhae's tourism sector."

He added, "This achievement was possible thanks to the joint efforts of Gyeongnam Province and all cities and counties in the province. Moving forward, we will continue to strengthen cooperation with member cities to prepare for a successful assembly and develop Gimhae into a leading tourism hub in East Asia."

TPO, the only international organization with its secretariat in Busan, was established in 2002 to promote the tourism industry of cities in the Asia-Pacific region. Currently, it has 131 member cities and 56 private members from 17 countries.