The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) London office is delighted to announce that visitor numbers to Korea from the UK rose from 97,519 in 2010 to 104,781 in 2011, a rise of 7.3%. This also was reflected in global arrivals to Korea which hit the 9.8 million mark, a growth of 11.3% over the previous year. This year's inbound global figures are likely to top 11 million.

2012 has started buoyantly from the UK, with forecasts suggesting a 14.2% increase in arrivals in January over the same month last year. KTO London office believes greater media exposure of the destination and greater product choice for the consumer, have been key to these increases. New niche markets such as cruise, rail, sport tourism and new UNESCO inscribed sites have all played an important role. This has been complimented by increased direct air services to Korea from London contributing to these achievements.

The country is still enjoying the designation of 2010-2012 as 'Visit Korea Year' and has some notable events to look forward to in the coming months, such as 2012 World Expo Yeosu and another exciting F1 Grand Prix. Korea's ten UNESCO World Cultural Heritage listed sites have impacted on increasing visitor numbers to Korea, as will Jeju Island's recent success to become one of the 'New 7 Wonders' of the natural world.