Securing 7.3 billion won in national funds, including Gyeongju's selection as a global tourism special zone; a 26.4% increase in foreign tourists.

On the 29th, Gyeongsangbuk-do held the "53rd Tourism Day" commemorative ceremony at the Lahan Hotel Gyeongju. Around 200 people attended, including tourism industry workers, city and county officials, and representatives from related organizations.

This ceremony was arranged to foster harmony and boost the morale of Gyeongbuk's tourism community in celebration of World Tourism Day (September 27). Following the commendation of meritorious individuals, a commitment performance was held to pledge a leap forward for Gyeongbuk tourism.

On this day, 29 individuals who contributed to tourism promotion received awards. The Gyeongsangbuk-do Governor's Commendation went to a total of 20 recipients, including 5 municipal and county officials, 2 employees of the Gyeongbuk Culture & Tourism Organization, 12 outstanding tourism workers, and outstanding businesses. In addition, 7 people received commendations from the Chairman of the Gyeongbuk Tourism Association, and 2 received letters of appreciation from the President of the Gyeongbuk Culture & Tourism Organization.

Under the slogan, "Gyeongbuk, Admired by the World, Standing at the Center of Global K-Tourism!", the attendees gathered to share their determination to combine the region's history, culture, and nature with K-contents to make it a globally sought-after tourist destination.

This year, Gyeongbuk tourism achieved successive successes in major national competition projects. Gyeongju City was selected as the nation's first for the "Global Tourism Special Zone Promotion Project," securing 3 billion won in national funds.

In the "Five Mega Tourism Zone Promotion Project," both the Gimhae Airport Zone and Daegu Airport Zone were selected simultaneously. The Daegu-Gyeongbuk "Ultra-Wide Area Tourism Transport Innovation Leading District" (2.5 billion won in national funds) and Gumi City's "K-Food Road" (1.5 billion won in national funds) projects are also being promoted together.

Tourist attraction performance has also clearly improved. According to the Gyeongbuk Culture & Tourism Organization, foreign tourists visiting Gyeongbuk in the second quarter of this year reached 2.05 million, a 26.4% increase compared to the same period last year. Tourism expenditure increased by 16% to 1.5 trillion won.

Hwang Myung-seok, Vice Governor for Administration of Gyeongsangbuk-do, stated, "Beyond merely promoting regional charms, Gyeongbuk is preparing for a global K-Tourism era where Gyeongbuk's culture and contents themselves become travel destinations for people around the world. Working together with tourism professionals, we will write a new history of Gyeongbuk tourism."

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]