.jpg/dims/resize/740/optimize) |
Korea Tourism Organization CEO Byun Choo-suk |
WONJU, Gangwon Province ― The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) introduced a new vision for its future tourism policies at a ceremony celebrating the opening of its new office building in Wonju, Gangwon Province, Tuesday.
The relocation to Wonju from Seoul has opened a new era for the tourism organization, which used the capital as its base of operations for the past 50 years.
At the ceremony, which was held two months after the relocation was completed, the tourism chief stressed change, communication and coexistence for the future at the new location.
"Based on those three key words we will focus on invigorating tourism, attracting 20 million foreign tourists, and pioneering in creating a virtuous cycle for the tourism industry," said Byun Choo-suk, CEO of the KTO.
The tourism organization plans to closely cooperate with Gangwon Province in successfully staging the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics.
The organization also introduced its philosophy and vision for the future in Wonju, calling it "KTO-ism."
.jpg) |
| Korea Tourism Organization's new office in Wonju, Gangwon Province. Korea Times photo by Yun Suh-young |
The term refers to a combination of hospitality, convenience and pleasure, which the tourism industry aims to achieve.
Together with "KTO-ism," the tourism office stressed the "5 Ks" ― K-wave, K-place, K-food, K-spirit and K-style ― as the five core businesses it will focus on this year.
K-wave involves cultural contents such as Korean pop music, drama and movies. K-place refers to Korea's hotspots. K-food projects will promote Korean dishes, while K-spirit will promote Koreans' creative spirit and passion and K-style will enhance tourism services through information and communications technology (ICT).
The relocation ceremony was attended by officials of local municipalities, including the governor of Gangwon Province, Choi Mun-soon, tourism officials, lawmakers and media representatives.
![[INTERVIEW] Yim Si-wan went extra mile to portray legendary athlete in 'Road to Boston'](https://img.koreatimes.co.kr/upload/thumbnailV2/fdd49ca391cf4ce785bd7136efd0bfa2.jpg/dims/resize/178/optimize)
