#Artist A, who continues global activities based in the region, tried to book a hotel on the 5th for an important guest visiting Gwangju from another area, but failed to make a reservation. This was because the 16th Gwangju Biennale drew many visitors to Gwangju, causing major hotels in the city to reach full capacity. Consequently, Artist A had to book a business motel instead, feeling apologetic to the guest, yet somewhat relieved and glad to see the Gwangju Biennale thriving.

With the opening of the 16th Gwangju Biennale, major hotels in the Gwangju region recorded room occupancy rates close to 100%. As the proportion of foreign guests and average daily room rates (ADR) also rose higher than usual, expectations are growing that international events like the Biennale can draw stay-type visitors from outside the region and abroad, injecting vitality into the local economy.

According to the Gwangju hotel industry on the 7th, major hotels in the Gwangju region recorded full occupancy on the 4th, when the opening event of the 16th Gwangju Biennale was held, and over the opening weekend of the 5th to 6th.

Y탑 Boutique Hotel & Residence in Sangmu-district, Seo-gu, sold out all its rooms from the 4th through the 6th. In particular, on the 4th and 5th, the proportion of foreign guests accounted for around 15% to 20% of the total, showing a higher level than usual.

L7 Chungjang by Lotte Hotel and Brib Gwangju by Lotte Hotel saw concentrated room demand on the 4th and 5th. L7 Chungjang, located close to Yangnim-dong where the main exhibition hall and pavilions are densely clustered, recorded an occupancy rate of over 95%, while Brib, situated in the Sangmu-district, showed an occupancy rate of 90%. Along with the increase in guests during this period, the average room selling price also rose by more than 30% compared to usual.

In other words, the demand for stay-type visitors who stay overnight in the region rather than just making a simple day visit is directly translating into actual hotel revenue.

Holiday Inn Gwangju in the Sangmu-district also showed that rooms for all three days had been fully booked well in advance. However, in the case of this hotel, it was noted that no available rooms were left because demand was already heavily driven not only by the Gwangju Biennale but also customarily by professional baseball spectators.

In light of this situation, the hotel industry views international events as a major factor in attracting stay-type tourists. Typically, when the Gwangju Biennale is held, it draws not only domestic and international artists and curators, but also groups of students majoring in arts from arts high schools and universities nationwide to Gwangju. In particular, these foreign and outside visitors often stay in the region for a day or more to view the events, which can lead to related consumption in restaurants, cafes, transportation, and tourism, as well as accommodations. Similarly, last year, the World Archery Championships were held around the same time, drawing many visitors to hotels.

A hotel official stated, "When international events are held, outside visitors such as foreigners increase, and room selling prices often rise together. The hotel industry also has high expectations for such events."

Meanwhile, about 2,300 paid visitors visited the exhibition halls over the opening weekend of the 16th Gwangju Biennale on the 5th and 6th.

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