Unearthing Startup Ideas with Global Competitiveness Based on Regional Tourism Resources

BUSAN – The Busan Tourism Organization (President Lee Jeong-sil, hereinafter referred to as the BTO) announced on the 8th that it will host the "2026 Busan Tourism & MICE Startup Glocal Travelton" from November 14 to 15 at the Busan Tourism Enterprise Support Center to discover fresh ideas in the tourism and MICE sectors and support practical startups.

The "Glocal Travelton" is a compound word of "Global," "Local," and "Hackathon." It is a startup competition where aspiring young entrepreneurs gather in one place to plan innovative and creative tourism startup ideas within a limited time and complete them into commercialization models.

Applications will be accepted from October 5 to October 30, and participants can apply online through the Travelton official website (bto-pms.vercel.app).

The core themes for the competition ideas include ▲ AI Technological Innovation, ▲ Local Tourism Contents, ▲ Marine Leisure Contents, and ▲ Tourism Infrastructure. Participants will be provided with 1-1 close mentoring opportunities by industry experts as well as special insight lectures to enhance the market potential and completeness of their ideas.

Among the participating teams, the top three teams will be awarded the BTO President's Award and prize money. The Grand Prize-winning team will receive 2 million KRW in prize money, exemption from the first-round screening of the 2027 Busan Tourism Startup Competition, and practical commercialization consulting benefits, thereby strengthening follow-up support to ensure the event leads to actual startups rather than ending as a one-time event.

An official from the Busan Tourism Organization stated, "This Glocal Travelton will be an opportunity to discover new tourism business models by adding creative ideas and a global sense to Busan's regional characteristics," expressing anticipation for active interest and challenges from aspiring young entrepreneurs who will lead the future of Busan.

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]