Home » TOURISM NEWS » United States, China, Japan, and Australia to Shine at APEC CEO Summit Korea 2025 in Gyeongju, Supported by Delta, Singapore Airlines, and Lotte Hotel
Published on
October 26, 2025
United States, China, Japan, and Australia are set to shine at the APEC CEO Summit Korea 2025 in Gyeongju, as global leaders gather to discuss pressing issues related to trade, digital transformation, and sustainable economic growth. This high-profile event, scheduled from October 28 to 31, 2025, will serve as a critical platform for fostering international cooperation among the 21 APEC member economies, collectively representing over 60% of global GDP and about half of world trade. With key players like the United States, China, Japan, and Australia participating, the summit will not only shape future economic policies but also have a significant impact on the tourism and hospitality industries in South Korea. The country is gearing up for an influx of international visitors, with airlines ramping up their services, and top-tier hotels like Lotte Hotels leading the way in ensuring a smooth and unforgettable experience for delegates and tourists alike. With the convergence of business and tourism, South Korea is set to make its mark as a global hub for both economic discussions and cultural exchange during this landmark event.
United States, China, Japan, Australia Attend APEC CEO Summit Korea 2025
The APEC CEO Summit Korea 2025 in Gyeongju will be one of the most important global events in the Asia Pacific region. World leaders will attend the summit to discuss issues related to trade, economic collaboration, and sustainable development. This summit will be held from October 28 to 31, 2025, and it will provide an opportunity to delegates from the United States, China, Japan, Australia, and other countries to work together on a future that includes technology, collaboration in the region, and environmentally friendly innovation.
The economic and diplomatic value of the first APEC CEO Summit Korea 2025 will be preserved in history. This, however, will also have important and lasting impacts on the tourism and the hospitality industry in South Korea. In this article, we analyze the impacts on the summit and the tourism industry, airlines, and the hospitality sector, and we provide important information for international travelers coming to South Korea during this time.
United States, China, Japan, and Australia: Important Players at APEC CEO Summit Korea 2025United States, China, Japan, and Australia at APEC CEO Summit Korea 2025
The United States, China, Japan, and Australia will shape dialogues at the APEC CEO Summit Korea 2025. These leaders will meet to discuss pivotal issues, including trade, digital innovation, and regional stability. Their involvement will have considerable value to the expectations of the Asia-Pacific regional economy, as well as globally within the tourism sector; all 4 nations have considerable numbers of tourists.
The United States at the Summit
The United States is one of the largest contributors to the global tourism industry, and its presence at the APEC CEO Summit Korea 2025 will likely influence a surge in American tourists visiting South Korea. In anticipation of the summit, South Korea will become a more accessible destination for tourists as airlines like Delta and American Airlines will increase the frequency of flights and open new routes between major U.S. cities and South Korea. For instance, the direct flights to Seoul and the New York to Seoul route is an important service on Delta Airlines, as New York is a large source of tourists to Seoul and the flights are roughly 14 hours.
The U.S. delegation at the summit will have a positive and immediate impact on the tourist economy due to an increase in flights and tourist activities. Importantly, American travelers to Korea enjoy excellent hospitality, modern amenities, and various cultural experiences as a testament to the strengthening U.S.-Korea relationship.
China’s Role and Influence
As the most populous and a major economy in the region, China will have an important impact on both tourism and trade at the APEC summit. Importantly, Chinese nationals have historically been the largest group of international travelers to Korea and this trend will be solidified with the APEC summit.
China and Korea are well connected by air. China Eastern and Korean Air have daily flights. A non-stop flight from Shanghai to Seoul is just over 2.5 hours. China and Korea have a lot to gain from the expected positive economic outcomes of the summit and that will positively impact their tourism.
Japan’s Strategic Focus
Japan is one of South Korea’s closest neighbors and has always been a big tourism market for South Korea. Because of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s participation in the APEC summit will mean more Japanese tourists will be coming to South Korea. Roughly every two hours, All Nippon Airways (ANA) or Japan Airlines make the two hour trip from Tokyo to Seoul.
Japan’s concentration on digital transformation, and sustainable growth, and regional economic cooperation will accrue to the improvement of the tourism sector. Connectivity will become more seamless and collaborative frameworks will be made between the two nations within the tourism sector.
Australia’s Growing Influence
Australia’s participation in the APEC CEO Summit is an indication of its increasing significance within the Asia Pacific region. Recently, Australian tourists have showed greater interest in coming to South Korea to engage with the culture and take part in educational activities. South Korea has been exported as a leisure and business tourism destination by the Australian Tourism Export Council.
Australians traveling to Seoul can choose Singapore Airlines for one-stop flights via Singapore since it offers a quicker and more convenient option. With a stopover in Singapore, a Sydney to Seoul flight takes approximately 14 hours. With the Summit concluding, more Australians traveling to South Korea might take more interest in the country’s historical sites and vibrant cities, positively impacting tourism.
Lotte Hotel Leads the Way in Hospitality
Making the APEC CEO Summit Korea 2025 more successful, Lotte Hotel in South Korea remains a Wold Class Hospitality provider for the Lotte Hotel chain in South Korea. The luxurious hotels and resorts under Lotte will host delegates and international visitors, providing exceptional service, with a cohesive welcoming atmosphere stylishly catering to the business elite and visitors.
Lotte Hotels has a chain in Seoul, Busan, and Gyeongju so it is not an issue to get the standard of service in each location. While the rest of the hotels and resorts will provide the same industry standard service, Lotte Hotel Gyeongju has the historical city views, premium service and fine dining to WOW guests. The hotel is very well accomplished in executing large scale events so they are able to host guests of any scale seamlessly.
Collaborating with international chef Edward Lee, Lotte Hotel Seoul will prepare the official luncheon and dinner for the APEC summit. Welcome dinner for the summit will take place at Signiel Busan. Lotte’s highrise hotel will offer views over the city past Lotte’s skyline.
For Lotte’s guests who are patrons during the summit and visitors to South Korea, hospitality will provide luxury accommodations, aspiring to meet the standard of internationally recognized service, for an enjoyable stay in South Korea.
Travel Tips and Airline Connectivity for Tourists
With APEC CEO Summit Korea 2025 and the anticipated influx of international delegates and tourists, there will be an increase in South Korea bound flights. To accommodate the expected demand, there will be new routes, increased flight frequency, and promotional offers.
Airlines That Offer Direct Flights to South KoreaDelta Airlines: Direct flights to Seoul from multiple main U.S. cities, offers long-haul flight services in Delta One and Economy Comfort classes.Singapore Airlines: Known for excellent in-flight service and amenities, Singapore Airlines offers one-stop flights from Sydney to Seoul.Korean Air: As the country’s primary airline, Korean Air has a direct flight option and a stopover option on their routes which cover Los Angeles, New York, and Tokyo, and are accessible from Seoul.Suggestions for First Time International VisitorsMake Reservations Promptly: Flights and lodgings should be confirmed well in advance of the trip to obtain the better offers since demand for APEC summit tickets is historically high.Visa Requirements: Most foreign nationals must comply with the visa rules to gain entry to Seoul. Confirm the specific rules are appropriate for your intended time of travel as you plan your itinerary.Getting Around: Visitors to South Korea do not need to worry about accessible transport as the country has a dense transport network. The KTX bullet trains are ideal for inter city travel to city centres like Seoul, Gyeongju and Busan. When you are in Seoul, the subway is a great option for inner city travel.Local Customs: Tourists need to be keen and observant to local rules. In Korea, it is expected of people to bow as a form of greeting and use the highest level of formality language when addressing strangers, particularly in business.South Korea’s Growing Tourism Industry
Furthermore, South Korea hosted the ** 2023 APEC CEO Summit Korea **. The country is expected to increase the number of visitors to ** 18.5 million foreign visitors expected in 2025, a 13% increase the year prior**. South Korea is also known for its *traditional culture, modern innovations, and high technological advancements*.
Top tourist places like Gyeongju, South Korea, and its capital city, Seoul offer and hosted UNESCO World Heritage Sites and will see tourists interested in and for the summit. **Gyeongju, South Korea, and its capital city, Seoul ** offer and hosted UNESCO World Heritage Sites and will see tourists interested in and for the summit. The country’s high-tech infrastructure, K-pop culture, and delicious cuisine remain and will make the country a high demanded and visited country for foreign and global tourists in the future years.
United States, China, Japan, and Australia will play pivotal roles at the APEC CEO Summit Korea 2025 in Gyeongju, where global leaders gather to discuss trade, sustainability, and innovation. The summit will significantly boost South Korea’s tourism and hospitality industries, with airlines and hotels preparing for an influx of international visitors.
Impacts on Tourism in South Korea
There is no doubt that South Korea’s hospitality and tourism will experience changes because of the summit. The participation of the U.S., China, Japan, and Australia will be of significant value on travel and trade, particularly to and from South Korea. Airline companies are currently expanding their routes, and Lotte Hotels is providing great hospitality for the summit attendees. South Korea is a great place to visit, and the summit just makes the visit even better. South Korea has the most elegant hotels, rich and colorful culture, and strong modern infrastructure that will make the visit well worth the time.
