Suncheon City (Mayor Noh Gwan-gyu) announced that it will be recruiting students for the Suncheon City Sustainable Tourism Planner Training Course from the 21st to the 29th.
The sustainable tourism planner training course is a training course that aims to strengthen the capacity of the sustainable tourism industry where residents and local communities can coexist by providing education for resident-led tourism product development.
The training consists of courses such as ▲understanding local tourism resources in Suncheon City ▲concept of community-based tourism (CBT) ▲listening to cases of inviting activists from advanced regions of community-based tourism ▲resident-led tourism product planning, etc., and will be operated as an introductory course to train sustainable tourism planners.
This training course will select approximately 15 citizens who are interested in sustainable tourism and regional-based tourism planning, and all courses will be held for free over a total of 6 lectures every Tuesday and Wednesday for 3 weeks starting December 3. Any citizen of Suncheon can apply, and application methods and details can be found on the Suncheon City website news page.
An official from Suncheon City said, “This training was planned to foster local players who will work together to realize sustainable tourism that coexists with the region.” He added, “We hope that you will become a reliable planner who will join us in creating a sustainable tourism city where both travelers and local residents are happy.” “I hope so,” he said.
Meanwhile, on the 22nd, Suncheon City (Mayor Noh Gwan-gyu) is recruiting members for the ‘8th Suncheon Youth Policy Consultative Group’ until December 6th, who will actively participate in youth policy-related monitoring, agenda discovery, and policy proposals in order to create a city where young people want to live.
The target population is young people between 18 and 45 years old (born between 1981 and 2007) who are registered as residents of Suncheon City or are employed at a workplace or university (including those on leave of absence or graduate school) located in Suncheon City.
The application period is two weeks from November 22nd to December 6th. To apply, download the application form from the Suncheon City Hall website (notice/announcement), fill it out, and submit it to the person in charge of Suncheon City Youth Policy Department via email or Naver questionnaire.
The number of selected members is approximately 40, and over the next two years, a subcommittee will be formed autonomously to expand youth communication channels and carry out various activities to represent the voices of youth, such as monitoring youth policies, collecting opinions of youth, and discovering and proposing youth policies.
The 8th Suncheon Youth Policy Council, which is being recruited this time, plans to select prospective members who have passed the document qualification screening to select members with active qualifications and capabilities to participate in municipal administration activities, and go through mandatory pre-education and interview screening processes before final selection.
A city official said, “We hope for a lot of interest and participation from young people who will think together and actively work for a better life for Suncheon youth.”
Economy Queen Reporter Kim Hong-mi / Photo Suncheon City
How can youth engagement enhance tourism policy in cities like Suncheon?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Dr. Jisoo Lee, Sustainable Tourism Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, Dr. Jisoo Lee! Thank you for joining us today to discuss the exciting developments in Suncheon City regarding sustainable tourism. It’s great to have you here.
Dr. Jisoo Lee (DJL): Thank you for having me! I’m thrilled to discuss sustainable tourism, especially in the context of Suncheon’s initiatives.
TNE: Suncheon City recently announced a Sustainable Tourism Planner Training Course aimed at empowering local residents. Could you provide us with some insights into the importance of community-driven tourism initiatives like this?
DJL: Absolutely! Community-driven tourism initiatives play a pivotal role in creating a more sustainable tourism landscape. When locals are actively involved in developing and promoting tourism products, they not only create experiences that reflect their culture and heritage, but they also ensure that the economic benefits of tourism stay within the community. It’s about fostering a sense of ownership and pride in local resources, which ultimately leads to more responsible tourism practices.
TNE: That’s a great point! The training course will cover various topics, including community-based tourism. How crucial do you think understanding local resources is for these aspiring sustainable tourism planners?
DJL: Understanding local resources is fundamental. It’s about recognizing what makes a place unique—from natural attractions to cultural heritage. By equipping planners with this knowledge, they can create tourism experiences that are genuine and meaningful, rather than just cookie-cutter attractions. This knowledge not only enhances visitor experiences but also encourages the preservation of these resources for future generations.
TNE: You mentioned the significance of community involvement. What challenges might these local residents face as they embark on this training?
DJL: One of the main challenges is often a lack of experience and confidence in planning and executing tourism initiatives. Many residents may have great ideas but might not know how to translate them into actionable plans. Additionally, there can be resistance from established businesses that might feel threatened by new entrants into the tourism space. However, with the right support and training, these can be overcome.
TNE: In this training course, 15 citizens will be selected to participate. What do you think are the key qualities that these individuals should possess to become effective sustainable tourism planners?
DJL: Passion for their community and a willingness to learn are essential. They should also have good communication skills, creativity, and the ability to collaborate with various stakeholders—be it local authorities, businesses, or other residents. Being adaptable and open to feedback will help them refine their strategies and ensure that their initiatives align with community needs.
TNE: The city is also forming a Youth Policy Consultative Group to engage younger citizens in decision-making. What impact do you believe involving youth in policy related to tourism and sustainability will have on a city like Suncheon?
DJL: Engaging youth is crucial! They bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, which can significantly enrich policy discussions. Involving young people helps ensure that tourism strategies are not only sustainable but also resonate with future generations. It also empowers them to become advocates for sustainable practices in their communities, fostering a culture of responsibility and awareness.
TNE: We’ve covered quite a bit about the training course and its broader implications for local tourism. What final thoughts do you have on how such initiatives can influence the overall tourism landscape in South Korea?
DJL: Initiatives like the one in Suncheon can serve as a model for other cities across South Korea. By prioritizing sustainability and local involvement, we can create a tourism landscape that benefits not just the economy but also the environment and communities. It’s about creating a balance where travelers can enjoy authentic experiences, and locals can thrive from the industry. I’m excited to see how this training course will shape Suncheon’s tourism future!
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Lee, for sharing your valuable insights today! It’s an exciting time for sustainable tourism in Suncheon, and we look forward to seeing how these initiatives unfold.
DJL: Thank you for having me! I look forward to the continued growth of sustainable tourism in South Korea.