Korea Targets 10 Mil. Inbound Tourists by 2012
By Na Jeong-ju
Staff Reporter
The administration is looking to attract 10 million inbound tourists in 2012, up from 6.9 million in 2008, by developing more competitive programs, the chairman of the Presidential Council on Nation Branding said Thursday.
The country's tourism industry is relatively undervalued on the global stage, and needs more investment and support, said Chairman Euh Yoon-dae.
``We are suffering an increasing deficit in the tourism balance due to unbalanced growth in tourism demand and supply,'' Euh said in a keynote speech to the Seoul Tourism Forum at the Shilla Hotel in Seoul. ``To attract more foreign tourists, we should solve many problems, including the lack of a systematic program to develop potential tourism resources and promote more cultural products, such as taekwondo or Korean B-boys.''
Improving the competitiveness of the local tourism industry is crucial to enhancing the country's global image, Euh said.
Despite the potential to become a major tourist destination in Asia, Korea ranked 31st out of 133 countries in the global tourism competency standings last year, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council. Singapore and Hong Kong placed 10th and 12th, respectively, while Japan came in at 25th.
``By 2012, the government plans to raise the country's ranking to 20th and increase inbound tourists to 10 million. If the goal is achieved, tourism revenue will increase to $13 billion in 2012 from $9 billion in 2008,'' said Euh, a former president of Korea University.
To upgrade tourism competency, the administration plans to embark on aggressive overseas campaigns to promote the ``Visit Korea Year'' from 2010 to 2012.
It will also nurture the medical industry to attract more foreign patients and develop the so-called MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions) industry to help Korea become a major venue for international gatherings.
The chairman also stressed the need to improve the public's attitude toward foreigners so that they make them feel welcomed, and the design of signs on the streets for the convenience of non-Koreans.
``Korea is evaluated as the lowest in tourism friendliness,'' Euh said. ``A welcoming attitude and awareness are directly connected to the country's brand.''