'세상의 모든 여행을 만나다'... 제1회 서울국제관광산업박람회 개막

South Korea's biggest tourism exhibition has kicked off in southern Seoul,... drawing over one thousand travel agencies from all across the globe.
Our Kan Hyeong-woo was at the opening ceremony.
South Korea's biggest travel exhibition, Seoul International Tourism Industry Fair 2019, has brought some 1300 travel agencies from 50 countries to the capital city.
"They say the tourism industry is an industry that does not cause pollution. I believe the tourism industry can provide a breakthrough for our economy in times of slow growth."
Showcasing both domestic and overseas tourism,... the exhibition gives information about travel destinations and what tourists can expect when they arrive.
"The Seoul Metropolitan Government hopes the fair can help expand South Korea's tourism industry and create more jobs in the field."
"The fair aims to build business platforms for in-bound, out-bound and intra-bound companies. So it raises awareness of South Korean tourism for travelers around the world,... while also contributing to developing Seoul's tourism industry at the same time."
Aside from over 500 promotional booths run by some 40 nations' government agencies and airlines,... 230 tables are set up for private travel agencies and tour companies.
"I think it's a wonderful opportunity for many countries to participate in this kind of fair because it just gives you the opportunity to present your culture, heritage and especially the tourist attractions of individual countries."
"We also get more connections to other countries and we make more friends also."

Combining the Seoul International Travel Mart and the Korea World Travel Fair for the first time,.... South Korea's biggest tourism exhibition will run through Sunday at COEX Convention Center in southern Seoul.
Kan Hyeong-woo, Arirang News