Gwangju Buk-gu, Proud of Being an Elderly-Friendly City... Delayed Establishment of Support Plans for Vulnerable Tourists

Choi Ki-young, a member of the Gwangju Metropolitan City Buk-gu Council, urged the development of tourism content for vulnerable tourists.

Vulnerable tourists refer to people who have difficulties in tourism activities due to restrictions in mobility, facility use, and information access, such as people with disabilities, the elderly, and pregnant women. The proportion of vulnerable tourists in Buk-gu is as high as 24% of the total population, which is higher than the national average of 23%.

During the 2024 Economic and Welfare Committee administrative audit held on the 19th, Councilor Choi pointed out, "The 'Buk-gu Ordinance on Supporting Tourism Activities for Vulnerable Tourists' was enacted in 2019, requiring the establishment of support plans for vulnerable tourists, but the relevant department only formulated the plan four years after the ordinance was enacted."

He also urged, "I hope Buk-gu thoroughly carries out the maintenance of facilities considerate of vulnerable tourism groups, such as replacing old LEDs, creating landscape lighting on old retaining walls, and installing safety handrails on entrance walkways, which are currently being promoted as part of the Hop Street construction project."

Furthermore, he called for "improving accessibility to guarantee the tourism enjoyment rights of vulnerable tourists, as well as developing customized travel courses and various contents tailored to vulnerable tourists."