DFS Group and Jeju Tourism join hands

Hong Kong travel retailer DFS Group and Jeju Tourism Organization from Korea have formed a strategic partnership aimed at raising awareness and attracting international tourists to the island, as well as offering them an elevated retail experience.

Under the agreement, DFS will integrate its worldwide network and marketing expertise to encourage tourism to Jeju. It will also supply luxury merchandise to JTO to establish a duty-free store in Jungmun, in the south of the island. To open this year, The Jeju Duty Free will be in one of the largest five-star beachfront and gaming resorts in Jungmun, and as well as global brands will include local products.

DFS - JTO partnership Jeju island 1

Korea’s largest island, Jeju is a self-governed province south-west of the Korean Peninsula, known as “the Hawaii of South Korea” because of its natural beauty. It has three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, while Jungmun features beaches, golf courses, resorts and casinos, and an international convention centre.

Jeju Island is expected to attract 4 million visitors this year after recording an average 44 per cent growth in foreign travellers a year since 2010. To further support the growth of international tourism, the Jeju provincial government, through the efforts of JTO, has launched a program of strategic development offering adventure coupled with luxury and convenience.

As well as several new large-scale integrated resorts and casinos, a cruise port is planned for completion next year with an estimated handling capacity of one million passengers annually.

DFS has long been involved in tourism development in destinations such as Bali, Hainan and Okinawa.

“We greatly admire JTO’s creativity and foresight in developing Jungmun and the surrounding area as an international tourist destination, and we are pleased to be able to contribute to these efforts by providing travellers with a tailored selection of luxury products from our partner brands,” says DFS Group chairman/CEO Philippe Schaus.

The Jeju Duty Free will open in its second phase by May, with all brands and product offerings in place by the fourth quarter.

DFS - JTO partnership Jeju island

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