Govt. Promises to Provide Support to Promote Tourism Industry
Twenty-four people win government orders and medals and more than 100 others honored during 44th anniversary of Tourism Day
Chairman Kim Hong-joo of the Korea Tourism Association (KTA) give a speech at a ceremony to celebrate the 44th anniversary of Tourism Day at the Westin Chosun in Seoul on Sept. 27.
Dignitaries attend a closing session of the Tourism Day anniversary event. (Photos: NewsWorld)
Chairman Kim Hong-joo of the Korea Tourism Association (KTA) welcomed the establishment of a national tourism industry strategic meeting, to be presided over by Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon, to deal with issues in the tourism sector and promote the industry. KTA Chairman Kim made the remarks while delivering a commemorative speech at a ceremony to celebrate the 44th anniversary of Tourism Day at the Westin Chosun in Seoul on Sept. 27.
In his earlier video message, President Moon Jae-in promised to provide policy support to promote the tourism industry with the establishment of the tourism industry strategic meeting.
Among roughly 500 participants at the anniversary event were Minister Do Jong-hwan of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST); President Chung Chang-soo of Korea Tourism Organization; KTA Chairman Kim; foreign diplomatic mission heads; and tourism industry officials.
During the event, MCST Minister Do presented orders and other government prizes to 24 people who have been credited for their contributions to the promotion of the tourism industry. Two hundred and three others were also honored.
The coveted Order of Industrial Service Merit Silver Tower went to Savoy Hotel Chairman Shin Hyun-sook in recognition for her contribution to attracting many foreign tourists by innovating her hotel and promoting on-line marketing activities.
Chairman Shin Jung-mok of the Korea World Travel Fair (KOTFA) was honored with the Order of Industrial Service Merit, Bronze Tower for his contribution to developing the event into Korea¡¯s representative trade fair, hosting about 700 world travel fairs, and laying a foundation for the tourism industry¡¯s social responsibility by implementing welfare tourism projects while serving as KTA chairman.
Bosuk Tours President Suh Jung-gwan was awarded with the Order of Industrial Service Merit, Bronze Tower in recognition for his contribution to exploring such emerging tourism markets as Southeast Asia and the Middle East, while former President Kim Byung-tae of Seoul Tourism Organization won the Order of Industrial Service Merit Iron Tower for his roles in helping Seoul rise to 3rd in terms of hosting conventions in the world in 2016.