By Do Je-hae
Staff Reporter
The government's decision last week to cancel a multitude of festivities in provincial areas was inconsistent with the nation's ambition to become a tourism superpower, the head of the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) said Monday.
"Many nations around the world have been hit by influenza A, but Korea is the only country to have taken such measures," KTO President Lee Charm said.
He made the remarks at his first official press conference since taking office 70 days ago.
"We looked into cases in the United States, France, Japan, China, Thailand, Hong Kong, etc. None of these countries instructed their local governments to cancel cultural or tourism plans as a countermeasure to the flu," he said.
"Simply avoiding crowded places is no solution. No one tells us to stop commuting on public transportation."
The Ministry of Public Administration and Security issued a set of instructions last week, urging local governments to "basically cancel large events lasting more than three days with over 1,000 participants."
Such events are aimed at boosting the economy with an influx of domestic and international tourists.
"I think the unique approach to the flu issue reflects Koreans' general lack of respect toward tourism as an industry that can transform Korea," he said.
The 55-year-old thinks that Korea's natural beauty, spiritual uniqueness and historical richness can be just as powerful as its IT or manufacturing expertise in bringing wealth and global respect to a nation that has largely been a tourism underdog.
Korea recently ranked 31st in a survey conducted on its tourism competitiveness.
"We have the potential to gain the world's attention as a must-see tourist spot. It will be my job to nurture them, with the support of citizens and foreigners who are interested in developing the tourism industry here," he said.
Lee introduced the soon-to-be-established network of "Korean tourism supporters," composed of both Koreans and non-Koreans, who will work in conjunction with local governments to exchange ideas about how best to develop the country as a tourist attraction.
Ultimately, he wants the world to perceive Korea as a respected tourist destination like China, Italy or France.
"In order to meet this objective, we will initiate projects to increase state support for expanding tourism infrastructure," he said, recounting the government's role in boosting the IT industry with tax breaks, funds and special laws.
Since taking office in late July, he has been travelling the country extensively and meeting with industry experts and officials to pool ideas.
The KTO will also promote globalization of Korean delicacies such as makgeolli, a Korean wine made from rice.
Born in Germany, Lee made headlines when President Lee Myung-bak named the naturalized Korean to the state-funded KTO top post, with a mission to advance the tourism industry from a "different perspective."
As the new KTO chief, he leads a public corporation with some 700 employees, with more than 25 overseas offices.
His appointment is being seen as an example of Korea's transformation to a multi-cultural society.