July 11 Designated 'Gyeongsangnam-do Tourism Day' as Southern Coast Transformation Declared

Gyeongsangnam-do province in South Korea has officially designated July 11 as 'Gyeongsangnam-do Tourism Day.' This designation commemorates the anniversary of the 'Southern Coast Island Connection Coastal Highway' project, a large-scale initiative aimed at transforming the region's tourism landscape. The project, which involves connecting numerous islands via bridges and tunnels from Yeosu in South Jeolla Province to Busan, is slated for completion in 2040.

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Gyeongsangnam-do tourism has entered a stage of qualitative growth centered on stays and consumption, beyond simple visits.

The province celebrated its inaugural Tourism Day with a ceremony in Changwon, where officials proclaimed 'Southern Coast Transformation, Gyeongsangnam-do Tourism Great Leap.' To further stimulate the sector, the period from July 5 to 18 has been designated as 'Gyeongsangnam-do Tourism Week.' During this time, various events will be held in conjunction with local tourist attractions, accommodation facilities, festivals, and cultural arts events, offering benefits to visitors.

Recent data underscores the burgeoning success of Gyeongsangnam-do's tourism industry. Last year, the province welcomed a record 166.68 million visitors, a significant increase from the previous year. From January to May this year, domestic and foreign visitors reached 67.93 million and 4 million, respectively. The economic impact is substantial, with tourism consumption totaling 2.6255 trillion won from domestic visitors and 28.3 billion won from foreign tourists. Notably, foreign visitor numbers and consumption have surged by 25.4% and 31% compared to the same period last year.

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Tourism has become a core industry that drives the regional economy, equivalent to exporting one car for every 12 foreign tourists attracted.

Provincial officials view this growth as a qualitative shift, moving beyond mere visits to a focus on longer stays and increased spending. They emphasize tourism's role as a vital industry driving the regional economy, comparing the attraction of 12 foreign tourists to exporting one automobile. The province plans to develop its tourism sector into an internationally competitive destination, positioning it as a core strategic industry for economic advancement.

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We plan to develop the tourism industry as a core strategic industry that leads the regional economy and grow Gyeongnam into a tourism destination with international competitiveness.