DFS partners with Jeju Tourism Organisation

DFS Group has signed a new supply partnership with the Jeju Tourism Organization (JTO) ‘to raise awareness and attract international tourism to Jeju Island, South Korea, as well as to provide an elevated retail experience for international tourists’.

This new partnership has been forged after many months of discussions between the two parties, with DFS agreeing to use its global network and marketing reach to encourage tourism to Jeju. In return, it has also reached agreement to supply international luxury merchandise to JTO’s new duty free store, which is due to open in Jungmun in Southern Jeju later this year.

[DFS says The Jeju Duty Free will open in its second phase by May 2016, with all brands and product offerings in place by the fourth quarter-Ed].

According to DFS: “The store, called The Jeju Duty Free, will be located in one of the largest 5-star beachfront and gaming resorts in Jungmun and will carry global brands, as well as local offerings. There is scope for the partnership to extend to other channels in future.”

It adds that its ‘long history’ of working with partners in Okinawa, Bali and Hainan ’is well-suited for this shared vision’.

Adding his comments, Hee-ryong Won, the Governor of Jeju said: “As a provincial government entity of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, we must elevate Jeju’s value as a tourism destination by bringing high-quality duty free shopping services. We look forward to positively contributing to the development of Korea’s duty free industry.”

Kab-Yeol Choi, President of JTO added: “We highly respect DFS’ dedication to JTO’s vision in developing Jeju as a preferred destination for tourism. The strategic partnership between JTO and DFS will allow Jungmun to offer the best duty free shopping experience and be of great assistance in attracting more international tourists to Jeju.”

“[DFS says The Jeju Duty Free will open in its second phase by May 2016, with all brands and product offerings in place by the fourth quarter-Ed].”

 

Last, but not least, Philippe Schaus, Chairman and CEO of DFS said the retailer greatly admires JTO’s creativity and foresight in developing Jungmun and the surrounding area as an international tourist destination.

He added that the company is pleased to be able to contribute to these efforts by providing travellers with a tailored selection of high quality, luxury products.

As announced by Korean Customs earlier this year Jeju outlets and all other specialist shops (including diplomatic) generated $481.1m in 2015.

GOOD POTENTIAL FOR CHINESE VISITORS

As DFS notes, Jeju Island is a self-governed province and Korea’s largest island, located south-west of the Korean Peninsula. A leading tourism destination in North Asia, it has been referred to as ‘the Hawaii of South Korea’, renowned for its dramatic natural beauty and boasting three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as well as offering a wide range of leisure and cultural pursuits.

Jungmun, in the south of the island, attracts visitors with its beaches, golf courses, high-end resorts and casinos, and an international convention centre.

Jeju Island is forecast to attract four million visitors in 2016 and has recorded an average 44% growth in foreign travellers per year since 2010.

DFS says that to further support the growth of international tourism, the Jeju Provincial Government, through the efforts of JTO, has begun a programme of strategic development in Jungmun to further attract ‘discerning overseas travellers’ seeking a combination of adventure and excitement but who also value luxury and convenience.

DFS added: “In addition to several new large-scale integrated resorts and casinos, a cruise port is planned for completion in 2017 with an estimated handling capacity of one million passengers annually, enabling large cruise liners to dock near Jungmun and alleviating the limited capacity at the current port in Jeju City.”