① Practice of Carbon Neutrality ② Revitalization of High-Value-Added Local Content Tourism ③ AI Smart Tourism ④ Promotion of Local Government-University-Industry Cooperative Tourism Models ⑤ Establishment of Crisis Management Systems for Tourism Safety

On Thursday, September 3, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province held a governors' and vice-governors' meeting with delegations from member countries attending the 19th EATOF General Assembly and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), reaching a final agreement and officially adopting the "Joint Declaration." Through this agreement on the Joint Declaration, the participating countries established a new milestone for global cultural and tourism exchanges and sustainable joint development.

Prior to the agreement on the Joint Declaration, on Wednesday, September 2, the first day of the General Assembly, the opening ceremony was grandly held with domestic and international dignitaries and member country delegations in attendance. The opening ceremony featured cultural performances, such as a drum performance by governors and vice-governors pledging global solidarity among regions, kicking off the assembly in spectacular fashion.

In the subsequent international symposium held under the theme of "Strategies for Sustainable Regional Tourism and Culture Development," presentations and discussions were held by experts and policy makers from various countries. Through the symposium, member countries identified joint tasks to respond to changing global tourism trends and sought policy alternatives.

During the bilateral talks held among member countries in the afternoon, one-on-one intensive discussions took place to share regional issues and discover practical cooperative projects between bilateral parties. Through this, the participating countries further solidified mutual trust and laid the foundation for expanding multilateral cooperation in the future.

At the Standing Committee held on the morning of Thursday, September 3, final deliberations on the Joint Declaration agenda took place. Standing committee members reflected the opinions of each country comprehensively and agreed on the declaration.

[Core Key Content of the Joint Declaration]

First, Designation of Local Green Destinations and Practice of Carbon Neutrality

Preservation of eco-friendly natural and cultural heritage possessed by each region, such as DMZ ecological and security tourism

Second, Revitalization of Tourism through High-Value-Added Local Content

Development of PATA co-certified convergent tourism products such as cuisine, traditional culture, and festivals among major cities 

Third, Promotion of Glocal Tourism Models through Local Government-University-Industry Cooperation

Development of local government-university-industry cooperative glocal tourism models and nurturing of local young talent 

Fourth, Creation of Field-Oriented AI-Based Smart Travel Environments

Expansion of exchanges between member countries without language barriers through the creation of field-oriented AI-based smart travel environments 

Fifth, Establishment of Resilient Tourism Safety and Crisis Management Systems

Establishment of a safe tourism network for cooperation among member governments in the event of disasters and crises

Shin Won-chul, Vice Governor for Economic Affairs of the Province, stated, "This final agreement on the Joint Declaration will serve as an important milestone in broadening practical horizons, such as sustainable tourism development among participating member countries and the creation of a field-oriented AI-based smart travel environment," adding that the province will continue to strengthen regional economic revitalization and the future competitiveness of the global tourism industry based on a close cooperative network.

[Copyright (c) Global Economic Times. All Rights Reserved.]