“Tourism is not simply a means to create economic added value. It is an inestimable way to communicate that can contribute to the happiness of the world and to world peace,” said Minister of Culture, Sports & Tourism Kim Jongdeok on November 11.



Kim emphasized the importance of tourism and the tourism industry during the Cultural Tourism Forum 2014, held at the Westin Chosun Hotel in Seoul. He said, “The 21st century is a century of culture and tourism. People around the world enjoy traveling. It is emerging as a core industry, as a new growth engine that can create many jobs.”

“Tourism policy-makers and tourism experts from 20 countries have gathered for this forum. This is where we can share our experiences and strategies to connect society and tourism. I hope everyone can share and develop successful cases,” the minister added.



During her remarks, Colombian Vice Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Sandra Howard Taylor said, “Culture is an engine of economic and social growth and the essential component to give true value to any destination, through ownership, conservation and the preservation of popular heritage, and the active participation of local people in the construction of strategies that allow for the responsible enjoyment of tourism.” Mentioning the increase of Korean travelers in Colombia, she said, “Despite the language barrier and the distance, we had the chance to receive more than 5,000 Koreans last year.”



Concerning measures to revitalize cultural tourism in an era when the creative industries are leading most economies, the forum included presentations on, “The power of creative tourism and culture,” “The development of cultural tourism using traditional resources” and “Urban regeneration by vitalizing tourism.” It was followed by Q-and-A and discussion sessions.

Forum participants, mostly experts and civil servants in the tourism sector from 20 countries around the world, will visit major tourist attractions in Seoul and other areas and attend training program on tourism policy hosted by Yeungnam University in Gyeongsangnam-do (South Gyeongsang Province).

Article by Jeon Han, Yoon Sojung
Photos: Jeon Han
Korea.net Staff Writers
hanjeon@korea.kr