"Re:tour, Now to Gyeongbuk" Campaign Launched
Various Incentives Including Accommodation Discounts
On April 22, Gyeongbuk Province and the Gyeongbuk Culture and Tourism Corporation announced the full-scale launch of the "Re:tour, Now to Gyeongbuk" campaign, aimed at the rapid recovery of tourism and revitalization of the local economy in areas recently affected by large-scale wildfires, including Andong, Uiseong, Yeongdeok, Yeongyang, and Cheongsong.
This spring, Gyeongbuk experienced the worst wildfire damage in its history, transforming once-bustling spring destinations into quiet areas. Even neighboring regions with relatively minor damage have seen a sharp decline in visitors, resulting in a complex economic downturn. In particular, the growing reluctance to travel to wildfire-affected areas has further delayed the recovery of tourism demand.
In response, Gyeongbuk Province and the Corporation are implementing a range of campaigns and policy support measures in phases to restore the image of affected areas and encourage the influx of tourists.
The Gyeongbuk Culture and Tourism Corporation is hosting a "proof of visit" event to wildfire-affected areas through its Gyeongbuk Nadri tourism information platform SNS channels (Instagram, Naver Blog, YouTube, Facebook). The goal is to raise awareness of the affected regions and encourage actual visits.
Additionally, in partnership with OTAs (online travel agencies), the Corporation is promoting accommodation discount promotions and providing extra incentives for volunteers in the affected areas, aiming to drive tangible increases in tourist arrivals and local spending.
Gyeongbuk Province and the Corporation are also pursuing measures to encourage on-site spending by visitors, alongside their policy responses.
They are actively prioritizing the hosting of major marketing events, such as refresher training for Gyeongbuk cultural tourism interpreters, within wildfire-affected areas. In particular, through the "Gyeongbuk Hometown On Bus" project, which supports bus rental costs for hometown associations from the capital region visiting affected areas, they aim to boost local business activity.
Furthermore, the authorities are working with domestic travel agencies specializing in Gyeongbuk to expand linked tourism products for the affected areas and are reviewing policy support across all marketing activities, including easing the requirements for incentive payments.
With the recent opening of new railway lines in northern Gyeongbuk and along the East Coast, they plan to focus on restoring the image of wildfire-affected areas as "diverse and unique romantic Gyeongbuk travel destinations" that are still worth visiting.
Lee Sanghun, Head of the Marketing Business Division at the Gyeongbuk Culture and Tourism Corporation, said, "The visits of many people who remember the pain of the Gyeongbuk wildfires will be a great comfort and hope to residents in the affected areas. Even a small visit can make a big difference to the region, so we ask for your interest and participation in this campaign."
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