Destination management company Pacific World has identified key destinations for 2019 that are “exciting” and have the capacity to host groups. The destinations selected in Asia include Sumba (Indonesia), Gangneung (South Korea), Phu Quoc (Vietnam), and Bhutan.
On Sumba, global managing director Selina Sinclair said that it was considered one of the last unspoiled paradises on earth. However, impending infrastructure could change that as more meetings and commerce come in. “Doubling Bali in terms of size, Sumba is a destination to watch in the upcoming years,” she said.
Gangneung, located just three hours from Seoul, is home to beaches and mountains, and has unconventional venues such as Korea House or Tera Rosa Coffee Factory in the Gangneung Ojuk Hanok Village. Phu Quoc too has many beaches and is becoming increasingly connected with international flights from Guangzhou and Bangkok.
“We’re closely following government investments in infrastructure and development in order to provide our industry partners with the insights and updates necessary to anticipate which emerging locations will be ready for business events and global incentive travel in the next five to 10 years,” said Sinclair.