A second discussion in a series on tourism policy held in Jeonju on long-stay tourism and identifying local tourism businesses

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (Minister PARK Bo Gyoon, MCST) is holding a series of four consecutive discussions and collecting opinions from the field to establish its 6^th Basic Tourism Promotion Plan (2023 to 2027). Following the first discussion on October 27 (Thur), the second discussion was held in the Seunggwangjae building in Jeollabuk-do Province’s Jeonju Hanok Village on November 2 (Wed). Chaired by 2^nd Vice Minister CHO Yong-Man, the second discussion was on ways to strengthen the competitiveness of regional tourism to make an even more attractive tourist destination.

Jeonju, a major regional tourism center in the nation, was chosen as the venue to listen to ideas from the field to facilitate domestic tourism.Thematic presentations were then made on “Changes in Regional Tourism Trends and Responses” (Korea Culture & Tourism Institute) and “Ways to Reinvigorate Regional Tourism” (Korea Tourism Development Institute), followed by suggestions and exploration of ways to boost local tourism by interested parties from across the nation including young local creators, travel writers, local tourism businesses and tourism agencies. 

Regional tourism experts also shared successful experiences in developing tourism content unique to specific regions and attracting tourists, revealing such new tourism trends like long-stay tourism and “workcations”[1] and thereby helping to comprehensively collect a variety of policy suggestions for activation of regional tourism.

For instance, one young creator from Suncheon, Jeollanam-do Province stated that the success of tourism products depends on creating attractive brands unique to regions and storytelling, and emphasized the need to identify and support local tourism businesses with competitive ideas. A local travel agent pointed to the need to develop tourism content that stands out for specific demographics, such as youth and the middle-aged, with a view to promoting long-stay tourism.

Vice Minister CHO stated, “The competitiveness of Korean tourism post-pandemic lies in regional tourism content. Only once local tourism is promoted, will tourists from outside be attracted. For this purpose, we are considering many ideas to motivate both domestic and foreign tourists to visit regions more frequently and stay for longer periods.” He added, “The Ministry will work out tourism policies that reflect the current needs on the ground that can identify attractive regional tourism resources and thereby benefit regional economies.”