South Korean government announced a tourism development program recently, indicating that South Korean will expand its issuance of multiple-entry visas to Chinese residents, which is estimated to cover up to 30 million people.
KOREA – South Korean government announced its tourism industrial development programs with emphasis on attracting their “key customers” – Chinese tourists. The most compelling part of this announcement is seen to be the statement of expanding its issuance of multiple-entry visa to Chinese residents, which will surely boost the number and frequency of Chinese tourists visiting South Korea.
According to preliminary statistics, objectives that will benefit from this new policy will be up to 30 million people in China including famous universities’ students as well as citizens from Beijing and Shanghai. It is viewed as a vital decision the Korea government made to attract the largest travel market worldwide – Chinese tourists at the risk of suffering illegal immigrants and other disadvantages.
The development program also includes the initiative of returning additional tax of hotel costs to foreign tourists which will immediately come into play in attracting foreign tourists, especially Chinese and Japanese visitors. In addition, tourist police system will help reduce entrenched illegal acts in the travel industry and ensure the order of the tourism market.
Another project that plans to open foreigner-exclusive casinos on Korean international cruises is also of concern. The Government considers that this improvement can raise the competitiveness of Korean international cruise companies, thereby enhancing the overall competitiveness of its domestic cruise industry. Besides, learning from Marina Bay Sands Resorts in Singapore, South Korea tourism industry also intend to build comprehensive resorts that integrates casinos to further attract Chinese tourists.
The program also pointed out given that the number of foreign tourists visiting South Korea for health treatment is growing by 37% per year, which is nevertheless concentrated in the capital region, other areas need therefore to use their tourism resources to attract this certain market.
