ASTA IDE-Asia
Delegates Experience Culture, Cuisine from Korea to
France
Alexandria,
Va.. Attendees will have the chance to experience
three elegant sit-down dining and entertainment
events during the course of ASTA's International
Destination Expo-Asia (IDE) in Jeju, Republic of
Korea, March 25-29, 2007, showcasing the cuisine
and culture of two IDE host cities&emdash;Jeju and
Lyon.
"Attendees at this
year's IDE-Asia will be treated to unparalleled
entertainment and cuisine that will give them real
insight into Korean culture that they in turn can
take back and share with their clients," said ASTA
President and CEO Cheryl Hudak, CTC. "Additionally,
guests will have a chance to experience a bit of
French cuisine, courtesy of next year's IDE-Europe
hosts, at the closing gala."
On Sunday March 25,
guests will be feted at a welcome dinner, courtesy
of the Korea Tourism Organization and Jeju Special
Self-Governing Province. This welcome event will be
a once in a lifetime opportunity for participants
to experience traditional Korean performances,
delicious food and the great hospitality of
Korea.
"All of us at the
Korea Tourism Organization are extremely delighted
to have the opportunity to host the welcoming
dinner for you. This special event, titled 'A
Sparkling Night in Jeju,' presents you with the
thrill and energy of an entirely new Asian
experience. We look forward to your visit and
introducing you to Korea's unique and dynamic
culture, its pristine nature and its sparkling
service," said Jong Min Kim, president, Korea
Tourism Organization
Tae Hwan Kim,
Governor, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province,
said: "I am very pleased to invite you to Jeju, one
of Korea's most beautiful islands. We, along with
the KTO, have prepared a very special dinner for
you that will feature very unforgettable
performances. These performances will, without a
doubt, give you a better understanding of Korean
culture and its aesthetic traditions."
Attendees of the
event will be treated to performances by the Jeju
Provincial Art Troupe, whose Korean
traditional-style dances draw from the various
aspects of Jeju Island's local culture. For more
than 17 years, the troupe has performed throughout
the world for numerous dignitaries.
The following
night, Se Hoon Oh, mayor of the Seoul Metropolitan
Government, invites delegates to experience an
"evening gala in Seoul," through a series of
dynamic performances meant to spotlight this
cosmopolitan city.
Diners will be
treated to a performance by the Chongdong Theater
Cultural Performers, who will put on the "Korean
Traditional Stage," which earned the Grand Prize
from the Korea National Tourism Organization in
1999. This performance showcases to audiences the
four genres of traditional Korean performing
arts&endash;traditional dance, Pung-Mul, So-Ri and
musical instrument performance. It has been
repeatedly selected as one of the top 10 things to
do in Seoul.
Also on the stage
will be a non-verbal performance by Nanta, a
comedic show which blends unique Korean rhythms
with elements of cooking.
Finally, as the
2007 IDE-Asia comes to a close, Lyon,
France&emdash;host of ASTA's 2008 International
Destination Expo-Europe&emdash;will hold a farewell
gala where attendees will enjoy a memorable
evening, featuring French cuisine and a wine
tasting from the Beaujolais region. On this
evening, the Lyon Tourist Office will present the
city and its very diverse Rhone-Alps
region.//
Go to
www.astanet.com/conference/ide07/index.asp or
contact ASTA's Meetings Department at
meetings@astahq.com to learn more about ASTA's
IDE-Asia.
ASTA's (American
Society of Travel Agents) mission is to facilitate
the business of selling travel through effective
representation, shared knowledge and the
enhancement of professionalism. ASTA seeks a retail
travel marketplace that is profitable, growing and
a rewarding place to work, invest and do
business.
Media
Contact
Kristina
Rundquist
Vice President,
Communications
ASTA, 1101 King
St., Ste. 200, Alexandria, VA 22314
Tel
+1.703.739.8711
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