September 5, 2024
SEOUL, South Korea – The 10th Korea-China-Japan Tourism Ministers’ Meeting and the 15th Korea-China-Japan Cultural Ministers’ Meeting are set to take place from October 10 to 12 in Kobe and Kyoto, Japan, respectively, the South Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism announced on September 5.
The meetings, which mark a significant milestone after a five-year hiatus, will bring together key officials from the three countries to discuss and strategize on various aspects of tourism and cultural exchange. South Korea will be represented by Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Ryu In-chun, China by Vice Minister of Culture and Tourism Zhang Zheng, and Japan by Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism Saito Tetsuo and Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology Morioka Masahiko.
Resumption of Tourism After Pandemic
The tourism ministers’ meeting aims to establish joint goals for the rapid recovery of tourism exchanges post-pandemic and to elevate the quality of tourism interactions. The ministers are expected to issue a joint declaration focusing on the swift resumption of tourism, sustainable tourism that balances environmental, economic, and social elements, and the revitalization of regional tourism.
The pandemic has significantly impacted the tourism industry, and it is crucial for us to work together to rebuild and enhance our tourism sectors, Ryu In-chun stated. This meeting will serve as a platform to share best practices and develop strategies for a sustainable and resilient tourism industry.
Sustainable and Quality Tourism
The joint declaration will also address the importance of sustainable tourism, emphasizing the need for eco-friendly practices and the development of high-quality tourism experiences. The ministers will explore ways to enhance the tourism infrastructure and promote cultural tourism, which is a significant draw for visitors in all three countries.
Cultural Exchange and Collaboration
On the cultural front, the ministers will discuss and issue a joint declaration that covers three key areas of trilateral cooperation: strengthening cultural exchanges among the younger generation, using culture to drive sustainable urban development, and supporting creative activities in the cultural sector following digital transformation.
The cultural ministers’ meeting will also witness the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOC) for the 2025-2026 Korea-China-Japan Cultural Exchange Year, which aims to deepen cultural ties and promote cultural diversity and heritage preservation among the three countries.
Additionally, the ministers will present plaques to the cities selected as the East Asian Cultural Capitals for 2025, an initiative that highlights the cultural richness and historical significance of the chosen cities.
Conclusion
The upcoming meetings are a testament to the enduring cooperation between Korea, China, and Japan in the fields of tourism and culture. The ministers’ discussions and declarations are expected to set the stage for a more vibrant and sustainable tourism sector and foster closer cultural ties among the three countries.
The Korea-China-Japan tourism and cultural ministers’ meetings are not just gatherings; they are milestones in our shared journey towards a more connected and culturally rich region, Ryu In-chun concluded. We look forward to fruitful discussions and the implementation of the agreed-upon initiatives.
The meetings are poised to provide a roadmap for the future of tourism and cultural exchange in Northeast Asia, setting the tone for a new era of cooperation and mutual growth.
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