VFS Global, a worldwide leader in secure mobility technology services for governments and citizens, has partnered with the Korea Association of Travel Agents (KATA) to strengthen inbound tourism to South Korea and streamline international travel to the country.
Representatives from both organizations met at KATA’s Seoul headquarters on January 9, 2026, to discuss potential cooperation. KATA was represented by Chairman Lee Jin-seok, International Cooperation Committee Chair Choo Shin-kang, KCCT Company Director and CEO Kim Sung-soo, and Hoin Travel Director and CEO Wang Deok-shin. VFS Global’s delegation included Deputy CFO Dilliprasad Joshi, China COO Kishen Singh, North Asia Regional Head Atul Lall, and South Korea Country Manager Kim Eun-hye. The meeting focused on visa facilitation strategies, with both parties committing to utilize their networks to support Korea’s tourism expansion.
“We welcome this collaboration with VFS Global as an important step towards strengthening inbound tourism to the Republic of Korea,” said KATA Chairman Lee Jin-seok. “By working together and leveraging our respective networks, we aim to enhance accessibility, support travel partners globally, and further position Korea as a preferred destination for international travellers.”
VFS Global Founder and CEO Zubin Karkaria emphasized the partnership’s strategic value: “This collaboration with KATA reflects our shared commitment to strengthening inbound tourism to the Republic of Korea, an attractive destination for travellers worldwide. Through closer cooperation, we aim to leverage our extensive global network of Visa Application Centres to support and promote inbound tourism to South Korea.”
VFS Global has partnered with the South Korean government on visa processing since 2007, operating seven dedicated visa application centers across four countries. The company has handled over 250,000 Korean visa applications to date. Beyond visa services, VFS Global’s Tourism Services Unit has 16 years of experience serving more than 25 destinations across regional and global markets.
South Korea has set an ambitious goal of attracting 30 million foreign tourists by 2030. The country achieved a milestone in 2025, welcoming 18.7 million visitors – exceeding the previous record of 17.5 million set in 2019, according to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
