Officials are exploring ways to transform regional airports into gateways for foreign tourists, connecting airport access with local travel, accommodation, and spending.
On September 7, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) announced that they will hold the 'Regional Airport-Linked Tourism Activation Forum' at Yangyang International Airport at 3 p.m. The forum aims to address the slow recovery of international passenger traffic at regional airports and discuss strategies for attracting and spreading foreign tourists.
This forum is the third discussion following events in Daegu in April and Gimhae in May. Previously, the government assessed the development and demonstration of tourism products near Daegu and Gimhae airports, focusing on the processes of connecting regional transportation networks, expanding accommodation facilities, and improving rental car services and foreign visitor reception.
Hosted by Kim Dae-hyun, the second vice minister of MCST, the forum will include over 50 participants from relevant ministries, including local governments from Gangwon Province and Yangyang County, as well as mayors from connected cities (Chuncheon, Gangneung, Sokcho), the Korea Culture and Tourism Institute, the Korea Tourism Organization, the Korea Airports Corporation, the Gangwon Tourism Foundation, the Korea Association of Travel Agents (KATA), airlines, and travel industry representatives.
Son Shin-wook, a senior researcher at the Korea Culture and Tourism Institute, will present on 'Tourism and Aviation Linkage and Activation Strategies for the Yangyang Airport Area.' With inbound tourism reaching record highs, he will discuss the need to expand foreign tourist inflow to the Gangwon region and propose policy measures to utilize Yangyang Airport as a gateway for tourism in Gangwon.
The MCST and MOLIT will share the direction of tourism and aviation policy initiatives, while local travel industries and airlines will discuss the current status of inbound tourism product development in Gangwon and the challenges they face. The roles and support plans of various agencies, including local governments, will also be shared.
The comprehensive discussion will address issues throughout the entire travel process for foreign tourists, from route acquisition to transportation between airports and tourist sites, local reception capabilities, tourism content, marketing, and industry challenges.
The MCST and MOLIT will continue to manage the tasks identified in the Daegu, Gimhae, and Yangyang forums through the 'Tourism and Transportation Policy Council.' A public discussion will be held in November to gather opinions on revitalizing regional airports and expanding foreign tourist presence, which will be reflected in future policies.
Kim Dae-hyun, the vice minister of MCST, stated, “We will listen to the voices of the local community and the aviation and travel industries at Yangyang Airport and connect the challenges raised on-site to practical policy improvements. We aim to support foreign tourists in staying longer and spending more in Gangwon by ensuring seamless travel from the airport to tourist sites and experiences.”
Lee So-young, the aviation policy director at MOLIT, added, “We will actively support new airline routes to Yangyang Airport and create conditions for stable operations. We will also enhance convenience services for foreign users at the airport and improve access transportation to closely connect Yangyang Airport with the region.”
* This article has been translated by AI.
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