Mayor Seungwon Park of Gwangmyeong City: "Creating a Sustainable Tourism Model with Citizen Participation"

‘Discussion Forum on Revitalizing Sustainable Tourism’ Held
Proposals for Developing Lifelong Learning and Carbon Neutrality Programs

Gwangmyeong City in Gyeonggi Province brought together experts and citizens to develop sustainable tourism models, including carbon neutrality and lifelong learning.

On the afternoon of the 17th, Gwangmyeong City held a 'Discussion Forum for Exploring Measures to Revitalize Sustainable Tourism' at the main conference room of City Hall. The forum was attended by Mayor Seungwon Park, experts, professors, and about 80 citizens.

At the 'Discussion Forum for Exploring Measures to Revitalize Sustainable Tourism' held on the 17th at the Gwangmyeong City Hall main conference room, Mayor Seungwon Park of Gwangmyeong City is delivering a greeting. Provided by Gwangmyeong City

The forum proceeded with an interim report on the 'Gwangmyeong City Sustainable Tourism Revitalization Service' followed by a discussion session. During the service report, measures to develop sustainable tourism content utilizing the human and material resources of 'lifelong learning' and 'carbon neutrality' initiatives promoted by Gwangmyeong City were introduced. The plan is to develop sustainable tourism programs that combine learning and hands-on experiences, based on professional personnel trained through various infrastructure and citizen education, such as the Lifelong Learning Center, Upcycle Center, and Environmental Education Center.

An implementation strategy was also proposed to provide systematic education and support so that citizens who wish to start a business or create new jobs in the tourism sector can grow into tourism professionals.

During the general discussion, Professor Kwon Sunpil of the Department of Public Administration at Mokwon University gave a presentation on 'Community-Centered Measures to Revitalize Sustainable Tourism.' Opinions were then shared on the roles of local governments and citizens in creating a sustainable tourism ecosystem. Professor Kwon emphasized, "The key to creating a sustainable tourism ecosystem is the participation of local residents," and added, "It is necessary to establish a foundation that enables local residents to actively participate as both the main agents and beneficiaries of the tourism model."

Mayor Park stated, "We will systematically develop the 'Gwangmyeong-style sustainable tourism' model by fully reflecting the opinions of experts and citizens."

The city plans to incorporate the opinions gathered at the forum, complete the service by next month, and then begin full-scale implementation of the Gwangmyeong-style sustainable tourism policy.