To address the concentration of foreign tourists in Seoul and the surrounding areas, Daegu and Gyeongbuk have partnered to enhance regional tourism. The government aims to revitalize local economies and combat population decline by promoting tourism, with plans to develop Daegu International Airport as a gateway for foreign visitors.
Government Promotes Local Tourism to Combat Population Decline
Recently, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has focused on creating specialized tourism hubs to attract 20 million foreign tourists, aiming to distribute tourism demand nationwide and invigorate local economies.
In line with this initiative, the Korea Tourism Organization's Daegu-Gyeongbuk branch convened a meeting on May 7 at the Daegu Inter-Burgo Hotel to establish a regional tourism network. The organization aims to facilitate global connections and expand air routes, addressing the limitations of individual local governments. About 40 representatives from Daegu, Gyeongbuk, Gyeongju, Andong, local tourism agencies, Korea Airports Corporation, and the travel industry participated.
Enhancing Accessibility for Tourists Arriving at Daegu Airport
The meeting focused on strengthening the international competitiveness of Daegu International Airport. Plans include significantly increasing flights from nearby countries to facilitate easier access for international tourists.
Efforts will be made to secure airport slots for incoming flights and to enhance transportation networks, ensuring seamless travel from the airport to Daegu and major attractions in Gyeongbuk. Additionally, the region will develop accommodation infrastructure to promote extended stays and launch tailored campaigns to kickstart travel experiences upon arrival.
Developing Unique 'K-Heritage' Tourism Routes
In the afternoon, discussions shifted to creating unique cross-regional tourism products that blend local resources to attract foreign visitors. A notable proposal combines Andong's traditional culture, Gyeongju's World Heritage sites, and the significance of hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit next year, alongside trendy attractions like K-pop from Daegu. This initiative, dubbed 'K-Heritage,' aims to offer distinctive travel experiences that merge tradition and modernity. The tourism organization plans to leverage its global network and online travel platforms to support tailored marketing strategies for different countries.
Park Soo-hyun, head of the Korea Tourism Organization's Daegu-Gyeongbuk branch, emphasized the need for regional collaboration to transform Daegu and Gyeongbuk into key destinations for foreign tourists. He stated, "Breaking down barriers between local governments is essential for effective cooperation, and we will work together with airports, airlines, and the travel industry to create substantial demand for inbound tourism."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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