▲ Tourists are welcomed at Jeju International Airport Photo courtesyJeju Special Self-Governing Province

For the first time the number of foreign tourists to Jeju exceeded 2 million Tuesday, Oct. 15. Jeju reached the record a year earlier than expected and almost 50 percent more foreign tourists have arrived than at the same point last year.

The city held a celebration event at Jeju International Airport. Government officials also attended the event, which consisted of a small concert and gift presentation as Xu Kun Biao from China was the 2-millionth visitor. He said he visits Jeju five to six times a year.

Governor of Jeju Province Woo Keun-min noted that the volume of visitors shows that Jeju’s global appeal is in- creasing and improved infrastructure, including food and accommodation, for foreigners is required.

The increased numbers are being put down to an increase in cruise tourism. From 36 cruise ships and 30,000 tourists in 2009, 2013 will see 170 cruise ships and 350,000 passengers. James Shin of Jeju Tourism Organization said back in August that marketing had also played a key role.

“Thanks to the cruise market being promoted by JTO, the number of Chinese tourists greatly increased compared to last year. We also saw increases in Southeast Asian tourists, and that is seen as a competitive market in the future,” said Shin.

Much of the growth can also be seen in the increase in international flights. 57 international direct flights are open while it was only 15 in 2009 and Jeju has just announced direct charter flights for a limited period to Bangkok in signs of further growth.