The Era of 10 Mln Foreign Tourists Set to Unfold

50th Tourism Day anniversary takes place on Sept. 27

The nation marked the 50th anniversary of Tourism Day on Sept. 27 with wishes for the attraction of 10 million foreign tourists.
Tourism Day is observed each year with the purpose of promoting the development of the Korean tourism industry and encouraging the morale of those in the industry. Unlike previous years when such events were held in offices or hotels, the 50th anniversary event was held in front of the Hongnaemun Gate of Gyeongbok Palace in downtown Seoul.
Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choe Kwang-shik said in his congratulatory speech, "The government will nurture the tourism industry into an innovative and creative one. The government will put forth its utmost efforts to create an environment in which people can experience the value of tourism and will help the underprivileged share in the tourism culture."
In his opening speech, Korea Tourism Association Chairman Nam Sang-man said, "Korea saw the year 2010 attract 8.8 million foreign visitors, representing a three-fold surge over 1990, but the nation still ranked 32nd in the world, according to a report on tourism competitiveness, released by The World Economic Forum." He urged those in the tourism industry to take the initiative in furthering the globalization of the tourism industry in the 50 years to come.
During the ceremony, 190 people received awards for their part in furthering the development of the Korean tourism industry. The coveted Order of Industrial Service, Gold Tower went to Dongwha Duty Free President Shin Jung-hee in recognition of her contribution to the development of the Korean tourism industry. She has been credited with earning $2.3 billion in foreign currency and attracting 2.2 million foreign tourists while doing business in the shopping sector for the past 38 years. Moon Tae-young, managing director of Doosung Lotte Hotel Jeju Casino, was honored with the Order of Industrial Service, Bronze Tower, in recognition of his contribution to earning foreign currency by setting up a systematic infra structure and diversifying clients channels. President Park Sung-bae of Crystal Tourism and President Lee Yong-gyun of Myeongpum both received the Industrial Service Medal.
Five companies were honored for their foreign currency earnings. Paradise Global was awarded the $50 million Tourism Promotion Tower, while Gold Family Tour received the $30 million Tourism Promotion Tower. Cheongha Goryeo Ginseng was awarded the $20 million Tourism Promotion Tower.
A traditional Korean guard-changing ceremony and "gainjeonmokdan," a royal court dancing performance of the Joseon Dynasty, were performed as pre-ceremony events, adding to the festive mood of the anniversary event.
In the second session, the participants pledged to participate in a drive to promote hospitality. The nationwide drive is designed to make Korea a destination worth revisiting with the goal of becoming among the top 50 countries in terms of tourism-friendliness by 2015.
A pansori performance was held during the third session. nw

(from right top) Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choe Kwang-shik presents a golden industrial tower award to Shin Jung-hee, CEO of Donghwa Tax Free, in the 50th Tourism Day anniversary event at Gyeongbok Palace in Seoul on Sept. 27. At Shin's right is Moon Tae-young, an executive director of Lotte Hotel Jeju Casino who previously worked as PR manager of Sheraton Walkerhill Hotel's Paradise Casino in Seoul. He received a bronze industrial tower award. Korea Tourism Association Chairman Nam Sang-man delivers a speech for the opening of the event. A traditional Korean troupe performs at the event.

Photos on courtesy of Korea Tourism Association