Commemorating the 1st Gyeongnam Tourism Day ... "Grand Leap Forward for Gyeongnam Tourism Centered on the Southern Coast"

Gyeongnam Province has declared its vision of a "Great Transformation of the Southern Coast, Grand Leap Forward for Gyeongnam Tourism" in celebration of the 1st Gyeongsangnam-do Tourism Day.

On July 10, Gyeongnam Province held a commemorative ceremony at the Changwon Convention Center (CECO).

Attendees are taking a group photo at the 1st Gyeongsangnam-do Tourism Day Ceremony.
[Photo by Gyeongnam Province]

More than 200 people attended the ceremony, including Governor Park Wansu, Park Jun, Chairman of the Gyeongnam Provincial Council, the President of the Gyeongnam Tourism Association, the CEO of the Gyeongnam Tourism Foundation, the Head of the Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam Branch of the Korea Tourism Organization, as well as representatives from tourism-related organizations and associations, tourism industry professionals, and local citizens.

The attendees shared their commitment to creating a world-class marine tourism belt centered around the southern coast through the declaration of Gyeongnam’s tourism vision, and to vitalizing tourism by utilizing the region's historical, cultural, wellness, and culinary tourism resources.

Gyeongnam Province Governor Wansu Park delivers a commemorative speech at the 1st Gyeongsangnam-do Tourism Day ceremony.
[Photo by Gyeongnam Province]

Governor Park Wansu remarked, "The 1st Gyeongnam Tourism Day commemorates the historic significance of the southern coastal island-connecting sea highway being included in the national plan, and marks the starting point for a new future for Gyeongnam tourism."

He went on to emphasize, "The key to southern coastal tourism is securing accessibility, investment, and deregulation. The sea highway is especially meaningful as the first step towards improving accessibility by connecting the beautiful islands along the southern coast."

He also stated, "The tourism industry is a core service sector that will drive Gyeongnam's future and a growth engine that can provide quality jobs to young people. By linking the region’s outstanding natural scenery, historical and cultural heritage, diverse festivals, and tourism content, we will foster the tourism industry as a leading sector in Gyeongnam."

He added, "If the government, tourism industry, and citizens unite, Gyeongnam tourism can achieve strong competitiveness. I hope Gyeongnam Tourism Day serves as a meaningful starting point for a new leap forward in Gyeongnam tourism."

Park Wansu, Governor of Gyeongnam Province (third from the left), is taking a commemorative photo with city and county officials who received the 'Gyeongnam Tourism Awards' at the 1st Gyeongsangnam-do Tourism Day ceremony. [Photo by Gyeongnam Province]

Gyeongnam Tourism Day was established to commemorate the historic inclusion of the southern coastal island-connecting sea highway in the national plan on July 11 of last year. This year marks the first time the commemorative ceremony has been held.

At the ceremony, Gyeongnam Province presented awards, including the Governor’s Commendation, to 35 individuals in recognition of their contributions to the development of the tourism industry.

Additionally, the first-ever "Gyeongnam Tourism Award" was presented: Namhae County won the Grand Prize, Miryang City received the Gold Prize, Tongyeong City the Silver Prize, and both Changwon City and Geochang County received the Bronze Prize, respectively.

Alongside the ceremony, a tourism product exhibition, recruitment consultations for tourism companies, and various hands-on activities were held, with participation from 10 local tourism businesses.

To mark Tourism Day, Gyeongnam Province will run "Gyeongnam Tourism Week" through July 18.

In total, 23 organizations—including Gyeongnam Province, city and county governments, and tourism agencies—will participate to offer a total of 77 programs and a variety of tourism benefits to local residents and tourists, including discounts on tourism facilities and accommodations, discounted tourism souvenirs, local festivals, performances, and experiential events.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.