Gyeongnam Tourism Foundation Marks 4 Years, Captivates Hearts with Unique Tourism Experiences

On the occasion of its 4th anniversary, the Gyeongnam Tourism Foundation has announced plans to further captivate the hearts of tourists visiting the province.

On the 16th, Hwang Heegon, CEO of the foundation, stated at the Provincial Government Press Center, "We will faithfully fulfill our role as a specialized organization for tourism and exhibition complexes."

He said, "This year marks the first year for our foundation to leap forward as a specialized organization for the tourism and exhibition complex industry (MICE)," adding, "We will focus on developing representative tourism products for Gyeongnam, all-around promotion, marketing, and revitalizing the exhibition complex industry."

Hwang Heegon, CEO of the Gyeongnam Tourism Foundation, is explaining the foundation's future operational plans on the occasion of its 4th anniversary. Photo by Lee Seryeong

Established in May 2020 as an institution funded by Gyeongnam Province, the Gyeongnam Tourism Foundation has taken over direct management of the Changwon Convention Center (CECO) from this year, which was previously operated by private companies until last year.

To this end, the organization has been expanded and reorganized into three divisions and nine teams to strengthen the center's roles, functions, and financial management.

The foundation plans to attract large-scale international conferences and nationwide exhibition complex events related to Gyeongnam's ten strategic industries, such as the advanced aerospace industry, to the Changwon Convention Center to draw in more visitors.

In addition to existing events such as the International Welding and Cutting Exhibition, Smart Factory Exhibition, and Marine Leisure Fishing Expo, the Gyeongnam International Art Fair will be held, along with seasonal and timely events such as Children's Day celebrations, small concerts, chrysanthemum exhibitions, and Christmas tree displays.

This coming October, in connection with the Aerospace Administration, which is set to open on the 27th of this month, the 1st International Aerospace Industry Expo (AEROTEC) will also be held.

The foundation will further develop Gyeongnam's specialized themed tourism products, such as the Yi Sunshin Victory Trail, Jirisan Dullegil, and Gaya Cultural Heritage tours, and focus on both domestic and international promotion.

Targeting the MZ generation, which refers to those born from the early 1980s to the early 2000s, the foundation is planning combined K-Outdoor travel products linked with car-sharing services and will operate tourism content utilizing walking trails along the southern coast.

The foundation will also participate in the Gyeongnam Tourism Roadshow in Shanghai, China, the Taipei International Travel Fair (TTE) and Taipei International Travel Expo (IFT) in Taiwan, the Tourism Expo Japan, and the 2024 International Outdoor Camping Festival.

In addition, new tourism products from Gyeongnam will be registered with local online travel agencies to strengthen overseas promotion.

The foundation will also focus on promoting Gyeongnam tourism through social media, such as the Gyeongnam Tourism Short-form Video Contest and the operation of the Gyeongnam International Tourist Supporters (GITTO-S).

Furthermore, the foundation will enhance human resources in the tourism sector by discovering tourism companies and fostering startups through programs such as the Gyeongnam Tourism Startup Contest, Gyeongnam Tourism Startup Idea Contest, and tourism collaboration programs.

Hwang Heegon, CEO of the Gyeongnam Tourism Foundation, is answering reporters' questions at the announcement event for the 4th anniversary launch plan. Photo by Lee Seryeong

In particular, this year, the foundation will sign a business agreement with Gimhae, where major events such as the Year of Visiting Gimhae, East Asia Cultural City, National Sports Festival, and National Para Games will be held, and join forces to attract tourists to all of Gyeongnam with Gimhae at the center.

During the National Sports Festival, a large booth will be set up and operated jointly by the Gyeongnam Provincial Government and the foundation's Tourism Business Division to introduce various areas of Gyeongnam and encourage visits to tourist attractions.

In addition, a pop-up store, a temporary shop within the tourist souvenir shop on the first floor of the Changwon Convention Center, will be operated to sell Gimhae tourism souvenirs and more.

CEO Hwang said, "Until now, Gyeongnam Province has been strong in manufacturing, production, and physical sectors, but with the establishment of the tourism foundation, we have introduced a new area called the tourism industry," adding, "Moving forward, we will strategically lead the development of Gyeongnam tourism by combining the province's policies and overall direction with the foundation's detailed product development and promotion."