By Kwon Mee-yoo
Seoul City will expand accommodation as part of efforts to attract 5 million Chinese tourists per year by 2014.
“We will discuss with the central government to allow no-visa entry for Chinese visitors and reduced documentation for those coming from Southeast Asia under a long-term plan,” Ahn Seung-il, a Seoul City official, said Thursday.
The municipal government also plans to increase lodgings for other foreign tourists. The plan includes providing some 16,000 rooms by 2014 by enacting special legislation to promote construction of private accommodation facilities. Seoul will also promote “Innostel,” the city-sponsored renovated of low-to-medium priced accommodation, and cooperate with travel agencies to invite more tourists to Innostel.
Sub-standard restaurants are included in complaints from Chinese tourists and the city will designate 100 popular eateries as tourist restaurants to guarantee quality.
Tour programs covering major attractions with shopping facilities aim to attract some 100,000 big shoppers from China. The city will also distribute a guide for Chinese tourists and foster 4,500 tour guides tailored to Chinese people.
Korea is drawing more and more Chinese visitors. The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) expects a rise in Chinese tourists in early October, as the Chinese National Day holiday starts today.
“Some 58,000 Chinese are expected to visit Korea from Oct. 1 to 7,” a KTO official said.
The figure represents a 30 percent increase from the same period last year. The number of Chinese tourists to Korea is expected to soar 45 percent in 2010 from a year ago. In August, visa rules on Chinese tourists were eased.
In October, Seoul City will invite Chinese tourists to the annual Hi Seoul Festival. Innostel will help them find affordable accommodation with Chinese-speaking consultants.