KTO Launches 2026 Global Challenge to Help Korean Tourism SMEs Go Global
Creatrip Team
2 months ago
The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) is recruiting 30 tourism small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) for its 2026 Tourism Global Challenge program, aimed at helping K-tourism companies expand overseas. Selected firms will receive between 100 million and 200 million KRW in commercialization funding and customized support from accelerators CNT Tech and Y&Archer, including business diagnosis, fundraising training, local market research and validation, participation in overseas exhibitions, and global business matching. At least one company may receive direct or connected investment through a dedicated accelerator. Eligible applicants must meet one of several criteria such as annual revenue over 500 million KRW, annual exports over $100,000, more than 10 employees, having raised 1 billion KRW in investment in the past three years, winning international awards, or proven overseas contracts or pilot projects; bonus points go to firms with overseas subsidiaries or sales. Applicants choose either CNT Tech or Y&Archer based on target markets and program fit; selection involves document and presentation rounds. Info sessions will be held Jan 23 and Jan 26, and details are on the Korea Tourism Industry Portal TourRaz (TourRaz).
