'Ordinance to Expand Support Scope for Rural Homestay Business' Passes Standing Committee in Incheon City Council

The scope of support for rural lodging businesses in areas such as Ganghwa and Ongjin-gun, Incheon, has been expanded, which is expected to help revitalize rural tourism and increase income.

On the 13th, the Incheon Metropolitan Council announced that the "Partial Amendment to the Ordinance on Support for Rural Lodging Businesses in Incheon," which was primarily proposed by Park Yong-cheol (National, Ganghwa) of the Industry and Economy Committee, has passed the standing committee.

The ordinance previously limited support related to rural lodging businesses to the replacement of outdated fire safety facilities, but it has now been expanded to allow support for overall environmental improvement projects, including accommodation and food hygiene.

Park Yong-cheol, Incheon City Council Member [Photo by Incheon City Council]

Last year, Representative Park reviewed complaints from stakeholders in the rural lodging business and attempted to promote a budget for environmental improvement support during this year's main budget formulation, but due to insufficient grounds for support, he continued consultations with the executive branch.

Park said, "The currently operating rural lodging facilities are in need of environmental improvements as the entire facilities, not just fire safety equipment, are quite outdated," adding, "I hope that through related support, rural lodging facilities will become more comfortable and attract more tourists."

He also urged, "After the ordinance is amended and Incheon City's budget is secured, counties and districts should actively participate in the project," and requested, "Since rural areas like Ganghwa-gun and Ongjin-gun will benefit, the city, counties, and districts should make every effort to prevent an increase in closures due to operational difficulties."

Meanwhile, the ordinance is scheduled to be finally approved at the plenary session on the 20th.