South Gyeongsang Province has taken its first step toward developing the South Coast into a world-class marine tourism belt. Having established the nation's first "Tourism Day," the province on the 10th proclaimed its vision of "The South Coast's Great Transformation, Gyeongnam Tourism's Great Leap" and unveiled a blueprint to nurture the tourism industry as a future flagship sector that creates jobs for young people.
The province held the "First South Gyeongsang Province Tourism Day Ceremony" that day at the Changwon Convention Center (CECO), with about 200 people in attendance, including tourism industry workers and residents. "South Gyeongsang Province Tourism Day" was established as the first among local governments nationwide to commemorate the inclusion of the marine national highway connecting South Coast islands in the state plan on July 11 last year.
In his commemorative address, Governor Park said, "The first Gyeongnam Tourism Day commemorates the historic significance of the marine national highway's inclusion in the state plan, and it is a starting point that opens a new future for Gyeongnam tourism." He stressed, "The core of South Coast tourism is securing accessibility, investment, and deregulation, and the marine national highway is the first step toward improving accessibility that connects beautiful islands."
He added, "The tourism industry is a core service industry that will lead Gyeongnam's future and a growth engine that will provide quality jobs for young people. We will nurture the tourism industry as Gyeongnam's flagship sector by linking outstanding natural scenery, historical and cultural heritage, and diverse festivals and content."
At the ceremony, 35 people who contributed to the development of the tourism industry received governor's commendations and other awards. In the "Gyeongnam Tourism Grand Awards," held for the first time this year, Namhae County won the grand prize. Miryang City won the gold prize, Tongyeong City the silver prize, and Changwon City and Geochang County the bronze prizes.
Through the proclamation of its "The South Coast's Great Transformation, Gyeongnam Tourism's Great Leap" vision, the province affirmed its commitment to creating a world-class marine tourism belt and to promoting stay-type tourism by linking regional tourism resources such as history, culture, wellness, and cuisine. At the venue, a tourism product exhibition, recruitment consultations, and hands-on programs were also held, with 10 tourism companies from the province participating.
Marking Tourism Day, the province is running "Gyeongnam Tourism Week" through the 18th. A total of 23 institutions and organizations, including the province, cities and counties, and tourism agencies, are participating to carry out 77 programs, including discounts on tourism facilities and lodging, souvenir discounts, regional festivals, performances, and hands-on events.
Taking this Tourism Day as an opportunity, South Gyeongsang Province plans to strengthen cooperation between the tourism industry and cities and counties, and to fully pursue its leap toward becoming a global marine tourism hub through creating a South Coast tourism belt and operating Tourism Week.
