In an attempt to build momentum in the lead-up to next year's event, due to take place from July 12 to 28, Burson-Marsteller Sport will provide advice on strategic communication - including support with international media outreach, social and digital media and traditional media relations - to the Gwangju 2019 team.

It is hoped this will help to best promote the Championships globally.

"The FINA World Championships is one of the largest World Championships among summer Olympic sports," Cho Young-Teck, general secretary and vice-president of Gwangju 2019, said.

"Our partnership with Burson-Marsteller Sport will provide the global reach and stature that this important event deserves.

"Together we are ready to deliver an outstanding event and we look forward to welcoming the world to Gwangju in 2019."

Burson-Marsteller Sport is the sports unit of global advisory firm Burson-Marsteller.

Based in Lausanne, it aims to help its clients to define and achieve their objectives and to reach their full potential in sport.

Burson-Marsteller Sport works closely with 2,500 colleagues in the worldwide Burson-Marsteller network, operating in 110 countries across six continents.

It is a subsidiary of WPP, the world’s leader in communications services.

"We are honoured to facilitate in enhancing and expanding the reach of Gwangju 2019’s international presence," Tanya Heimlich-Ng Yuen, director at Burson-Marsteller Sport, said.

"This is a tremendous opportunity for Gwangju to position itself as a sport city and shine both at a national and international level."

The 2019 World Aquatics Championships will be immediately followed by the World Masters Championships, which are also scheduled to be held in Gwangju, from July 29 to August 11.

Approximately 15,000 participants are expected to attend the two events, with more than 200 countries broadcasting them on television.

With just under one-and-half years to go until they begin, Gwangju 2019 has this week given a progress update on preparations to international media.

A reception at Gwangju City Hall was followed by a tour of the 2019 World Aquatics Championships venues, all of which have been secured and finalised with FINA, utilising facilities from the 2015 Summer Universiade in the South Korean city.

The Nambu University International Aquatics Center will host swimming and diving events, while a temporary pool at Yeomju Gymnasium will stage synchronised swimming.

High diving and water polo will take place at Chosun University Football Field and Nambu University Football Field respectively.

Yeosu Expo Ocean Park, meanwhile, will provide the setting for open water swimming.

"We are very happy to welcome the world to Gwangju," Gwangju 2019 President Yoon Jang-hyun, who is also the Mayor of the city, said.

"To host this fantastic event goes beyond sports, our city and our country believe in the impact of sport and the positive power it has throughout the world.

"As an experienced global host of major events, I am proud to say that our city and our citizens are looking forward to welcoming the FINA World Championships in 2019 and we are devoted to making them a great success.

"In addition, as Gwangju hosts the FINA Championships in 2019, this enables Korea to be the fourth country to have hosted five international mega-sports events, including the Summer and Winter Olympics, the FIFA World Cup, the IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations) World Championships and now the FINA World Championships.

"To further promote peace and mutual understanding, we have launched the slogan 'Dive into Peace' for the Championships.

"In this regard, the 2019 FINA World Championships will reflect a bigger ambition and ultimately be more special and meaningful."