'Travel Destinations Created by Local Residents'… Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and Korea Tourism Organization Select 52 Tourism Dure Locations

24 Local Community Enterprises Selected, 52 Locations
Up to 110 Million KRW Support Over 5 Years

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization announced on the 31st that they have selected 52 resident enterprises from 24 regions as recipients of support for the '2024 Tourism Dure Project.'

Goheung-gun Tour Guide Project Site.
Photo by Goheung-gun

Tourism Dure is a project that supports local residents in independently starting and operating tourism businesses with unique regional characteristics in areas such as experiences, food and beverage, souvenirs, travel, and accommodation.

Previously, from April 15 to May 24, 151 resident enterprises applied for the call. After document evaluation, online education and field inspections, and presentation evaluations, a final 52 enterprises were selected.

The business sectors of the resident enterprises supported this time were led by the 'experience' category with 28 enterprises, including 'Paddleboarding with Pets' and 'Remote Milky Way Starlight Shower.' This was followed by 12 in 'food and beverage,' 6 in 'souvenirs,' 4 in 'travel,' and 2 in 'accommodation.'

By region, 4 enterprises were selected in the Seoul Metropolitan Area, 2 in Gangwon, 5 in Chungcheong, 12 in Honam, and 29 in Yeongnam.

Additionally, 19 resident enterprises, accounting for 37%, had at least two-thirds of their members aged 39 or younger, classified as youth resident enterprises. Resident enterprises in population-declining areas numbered 24, making up 46% of the total, confirming that local residents and youth in these areas show strong interest in Tourism Dure.

The resident enterprises selected this year will receive customized support including education, field trips, consultations, pilot projects, legal and tax services within a maximum of 110 million KRW over five years. In particular, tailored programs by growth stage will be provided according to the management conditions of the resident enterprises to help strengthen their competitiveness.

Furthermore, regional Tourism Dure PDs (local activity experts) will closely assist resident enterprises to adapt smoothly and effectively continue their tasks when they initially carry out the Tourism Dure project.

Kim Geun-ho, Director of Tourism Industry Policy at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said, "Tourism Dure is a growth story where three or more local residents challenge together to make their region a special and attractive travel destination," adding, "We will provide thorough support so that the selected resident enterprises can grow into star tourism businesses representing each region and take root locally."