Agoda and Gangwon State Join Hands to Elevate Gangwon into a Premier Global Travel Destination

Agoda and Gangwon State have signed a two-year strategic partnership to elevate Gangwon into a premier global travel destination.

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU):
Signed in Wonju between Gangwon Governor Kim Jin-tae and Agoda Chief Commercial Officer Damien Pfirsch.

Agoda’s Role:
- Provide global tourism insights and marketing expertise.
- Support destination marketing initiatives.
- Use data-driven promotion to strengthen Gangwon’s tourism industry.

Gangwon’s Appeal:
- Winter: World-class ski resorts and snow festivals (notably Pyeongchang).
- Summer: Cool mountain retreats, riverside activities, and fresh seafood.
- Culture: Mountain herbs, artisanal markets, and rural heritage sites.
- Accessibility: Convenient links to Seoul and growing boutique hotel options.

Leadership Voices
- Kim Jin-tae (Governor): Emphasized connecting private sector expertise with Gangwon’s assets to boost competitiveness.
- Damien Pfirsch (Agoda): Highlighted Gangwon’s year-round variety—from ski resorts to beaches—and Agoda’s role as a knowledge partner to enhance long-term attractiveness.

Broader Context
South Korea is a key market for Agoda, with localized offerings such as:
- 24/7 Korean-language customer care.
- Integration with Naver Maps.
- Local payment methods like Kakao Pay.
- Tailored commercials for Korean travelers.

Together, these efforts aim to showcase Gangwon’s authentic, year-round appeal while delivering seamless booking experiences and competitive prices for international visitors.