Eight travel-tech startups from Korea participated in the “Global PoC Partners Day” held in Bali on Thursday, September 11, 2025. Organized by the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), the event aimed to explore business collaboration and expansion opportunities with Southeast Asia’s tourism industry, including Indonesia.

The Global Proof of Concept (PoC) program is designed not only to test technology, but also to create new business models in partnership with local stakeholders. In 2024, similar trials led to two concrete projects in Bali: a US$120,000 per year DX Solution export contract between ONDA and Natya Hotel Group, and a US$72,000 per year MoU on motorcycle tourism safety infrastructure between Starpickers (Byeolttarogaja) and the Bali Tourism Office.

Global PoC Partners Day Highlights Korea’s Travel-Tech Innovation

“More than just verifying technology, this program is expected to prove its potential in real markets and create new business models with local partners,” said Lee Yonggeun, Executive Director of the Tourism Companies Support Department at KTO, on Friday, September 12.

This year’s event introduced eight Korean startups with advanced travel-tech solutions aimed at enhancing the travel experience and building regional partnerships.

Eight Startups Present Digital and Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions

The following startups showcased their innovations:

• H2O Hospitality – Digital operational solutions for accommodations, with experience collaborating with multinational OTAs.
• Woori Kids Plus – Eco-friendly OEM products for hotels and airlines; recipient of the 2022 Cosmetic 360 Paris award.
• UniUni – Deep learning-based “SAVY” privacy space management, with existing partnerships in Malaysia.
• emCT – Remote facility control service “VIDIAPP,” already operating in Vietnam and the United States.
• NUUA – SaaS for airline ticket distribution, a Tech Partner of Singapore Airlines and ARM Index-certified by IATA.
• Byeolttarogaja (Starpickers) – “RiderLog” small mobility management solution, now expanding into Indonesia and Laos.
• ONDA – Accommodation distribution platform with contracts in Thailand, Japan, and IHTF.
• Tripbtoz – Web3-based travel platform backed by global venture capital investment.

The startups demonstrated strengths in ICT, big data, and digital marketing, offering potential synergies with Southeast Asia’s tourism growth.

Indonesia Plays a Central Role in Korea’s Tourism Market

Indonesia remains a key tourism market for Korea. In 2024, 336,185 Indonesians visited Korea, marking a 120.7% increase compared to 2019. In the first half of 2025, the figure reached 187,689, up 14.4% year-over-year.

These gains are supported by the rising popularity of Korean culture and streamlined visa regulations. As of September 1, 2025, visa applicants are no longer required to submit annual tax documents (SPT).

KTO Jakarta launched a special campaign to support the corporate travel segment. Each Indonesian incentive group traveler to Korea is eligible for Rp100,000 (approximately 9,000 won), distributed to travel agencies.

“Through this support and special campaign, we are optimistic that the Indonesian incentive market will rebound. We want to position Korea as a top destination not only for leisure but also for corporate incentives,” said Lee Yonggeun.

KTO also plans to hold an online seminar on September 15, 2025, to introduce Korea’s latest MICE destinations and promote the incentive program.

PHOTO: INSTAGRAM/@dewatanewsofficial

This article was created with AI assistance