Culture Ministry and Japan's Land Ministry Hold 'Tourism Promotion Council'... Discussing Expansion of Tourism Exchanges

Held in Shiga Prefecture, Japan

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, together with Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, will hold the 39th Korea-Japan Tourism Promotion Council in Shiga Prefecture, Japan, from December 15 to 16.

Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism logo. Provided by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism

Since 1986, the Korea-Japan Tourism Promotion Council has been held alternately in Korea and Japan every year, contributing to the enhancement of friendship between the two countries. Last year, the event was held in Gangneung, Korea, and this year, more than 80 participants from the tourism and aviation industries-including the relevant ministries of both countries, local governments, the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), and travel industry associations-will gather in Japan to discuss ways to expand tourism exchanges.

This year, in particular, marks the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Korea and Japan. The agenda will include the continued expansion of tourism exchanges between the two countries, revitalization of regional tourism, promotion of exchanges among future generations, diversification of the tourism industry, and cooperation to attract long-haul tourists. Following presentations on tourism policy directions by both governments, the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), and travel industry associations will share their views on ways to expand Korea-Japan tourism exchanges.

In addition, the two countries will explore strategies to revitalize regional tourism. Mokpo City in Jeollanam-do and Shiga Prefecture in Japan will introduce strategies to attract tourists by utilizing a variety of local tourism resources, such as unique attractions and culinary experiences available only in their regions. The Organizing Committee for the Yeosu World Island Expo will promote the "2026 Yeosu World Island Expo" as a case of regional tourism revitalization. Cheongju International Airport, the Kansai Tourism Bureau, and Kansai International Airport will also present their ideas to promote tourism exchanges between the two countries.

A policy official from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism stated, "We will continue to seek ways to cooperate based on shared interests such as revitalizing regional tourism, so that stable exchanges between Korea and Japan in the tourism sector can continue in the future."