Korea Tourism Organization
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| Korea Tourism Organization | |
|---|---|
| Hangul | 한국관광공사 |
| Hanja | 韓國觀光公社 |
| Revised Romanization | Hanguk Gwan-gwang Gongsa |
| McCune–Reischauer | Han'guk Kwan'kwang Kongsa |
The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) is a statutory organization of the Republic of Korea (South Korea) under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and is commissioned to promote the country's tourism industry.[1]
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[edit] Overview
The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) was first established in 1962 as a government-invested corporation responsible for the Korean Tourism industry according to International Tourism Corporation Act.[2] The organization primarily promotes Korea as a tourist destination to attract foreign tourists. Starting in the 1980s, domestic tourism promotion also became an important function of the KTO. Increased living standards , increased disposable income, and enhanced public transportation systems have contributed to increasing public tourism demand. By following current tourism trends, the KTO helps develop tourism in Korea.
Inbound visitors totaled over 6 million in 2006[3] and the tourism industry is said to be one of the factors that has influences on Korean economy.[4]
[edit] History of KTO
- 1961 : The Tourism Promotion Law is enacted.
- 1962 : The International Tourism Corporation (ITC) is established and given the responsibility for promoting Korea’s undeveloped tourism industry through the direct management of some major hotels, taxis and the Korea Travel Bureau, as well as by training human resources to support the travel trade.
- 1968 : The number of foreign visitors passes the 100,000 mark.
- 1969 : The Hotel Institute is opened. The first overseas office opens in Tokyo.
- 1971 : Development of Bomun Lake Resort in Gyeongju begins.
- 1978 : Korea attracts over one million foreign visitors.
- 1982 : The International Tourism Corporation is renamed as Korea National Tourism Corporation (KNTC).
- 1988 : The number of foreign visitors passes over two-million.
- 1991 : The number of foreign visitors passes over three-million.
- 1996 : The company’s name is changed from Korea National Tourism Corporation to Korea National Tourism Organization.
- 1998 : Kumgangsan Diamond Mountains tour begins.
- 2000 : Korea attracts over 5 million foreign visitors.
- 2003 : Kumgangsan Diamond Mountains land route tour begins. Hallyu (Korea Wave) becomes the major theme of the KTO's overseas marketing.
- 2005 : KTO reshuffles its organizational structure into 6 divisions. KTO introduces its new corporate identity. Korea attracts over 6.5 million visitors from abroad.
[edit] Functions
- Promotion to attract inbound tourists
- Research and develop tourism technology to nurture tourism industry as new engine for the economic growth of Korea: domestic tourism and neo tourism are concepts and terminologies developed by Korea tourism Organization
- Cooperation with the local government & the tourism industries
- Resort development and consulting
[edit] See also
- Tourism in South Korea
- Tourism in Gyeongju
- South Korea
- Korean wave
- Dynamic Korea national brand encouraged by South Korean government
[edit] References
- ^ National Archives of Korea
- ^ "The Foundation of Korea Tourism Organization". National Archives of Korea. 2006-12-01. http://contents.archives.go.kr/next/content/listSubjectDescription.do?id=003632.
- ^ Gupta, Satish (2007-01-30). "Korea targets 10 million inbound visitors by 2010". eTN Asia. http://www.travelwirenews.com/cgi-script/csArticles/articles/000108/010834.htm.
- ^ Oh, Jee-chul (2009-03-03). "Tourism to Power Korea’s Economy". The Korea Times. http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2009/10/270_40646.html.
[edit] External links
- VisitKorea (KTO) homepage (English)
- KTO homepage (Korean)
