Shinan-gun won the “Korea Tourism Policy Award.” The awards ceremony for the “2024 Korea Tourism Policy Awards (hereinafter “Competition”)” was held at Shinan County Office on the 21st.
Shinan-gun won the grand prize in the tourism marketing category, with County Governor Park Woo-ryang and Korea Tourism Policy Association (TOPA) President Lee Yeon-taek attending the awards ceremony.
This competition, hosted by the Korea Tourism Policy Research Association, was held from August 12 to August 30 for local governments across the country in seven categories, including tourism marketing, tourism development, cultural tourism resources, eco-tourism resources, tourism industry, and tourism design. The results were announced on September 24th after a public contest in each category.
Shinan-gun submitted the case of “1 Island, 1 Color Marketing” to the tourism marketing sector and received high praise for its unique policies, leadership, and public-private collaboration that are different from others.
Lee Yeon-taek, president of the society, said, “As I came across the Shinan County case, I felt like I was seeing an ideal exemplary case from a textbook. “I hope that Shinan’s tourism policy can be further expanded in the future,” he commented.
County Governor Park Woo-ryang said, “The policies of 1 island, 1 color, 1 island, 1 museum, and 1 island, 1 garden are receiving positive reviews externally, so we expect that island policies that create pride in the county residents will gain momentum in the future.” He said, “The Korea Tourism Policy Research Association is also interested in Shinan and would like to ask for a lot of advice.”
Meanwhile, Shinan-gun announced on the 22nd that it held the ‘2024 Shinan Sea Salt Producers One Mind Competition’ hosted by the Shinan Sea Salt Producers Association (Chairman Lee Cheol-soon) at the Shinan National Sports Center in Amtae-myeon.
This competition, now in its 13th year, was an event designed to boost the morale and unity of producers who are taking the lead in making sea salt a high-quality and premium product, and was held successfully with the attendance of over 500 people, including sea salt producers and processing companies.
Lee Cheol-soon, Chairman of the Shinan Sea Salt Producers Association, said through the company, “We are deeply grateful for the hard work of the producers who voluntarily adjust the production time and sweat in the middle of summer to produce premium sea salt.” He added, “We continue to produce high-quality sea salt.” “Let’s do our best for this,” he said.
All producers who attended the event read a midnight resolution to improve the reputation of Shinan Sea Salt and comply with related laws and regulations, including following the 10 rules for sea salt production, reducing foreign substances, prohibiting the use of harmful chemicals, and participating in the use of 10kg packaging.
Shinan County Mayor Park Woo-ryang said, “We emphasize that producers, agricultural cooperatives, and related parties will continue to cooperate to increase the price of sea salt, and we will continue to implement various policies and support to revitalize the sea salt industry.” “Let’s create new value for sea salt by using the small packages below,” he urged.
Shinan Sea Salt is a high-quality salt rich in minerals produced in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a clean tidal flat. Approximately 200,000 tons are produced annually in an area of 2,072 ha, accounting for more than 80% of the total domestic production.
Economy Queen reporter Choi Hana photo Shinan-gun
.
What innovative strategies did Shinan-gun implement in their tourism marketing to achieve recognition in the Korea Tourism Policy Awards?
Interview: Unpacking the Success of Shinan-gun’s Tourism Policy
[Scene: A bright, inviting room filled with travel images and information. Time.news Editor, Alex Kim, sits opposite Dr. Emily Choi, a tourism policy expert.]
Alex Kim: Welcome, Dr. Choi! Thank you for joining us today to discuss the impressive recognition that Shinan-gun has received in the recent Korea Tourism Policy Awards.
Dr. Emily Choi: Thank you for having me, Alex! It’s a pleasure to discuss such a noteworthy achievement in our tourism landscape.
Alex Kim: Shinan-gun won the grand prize in tourism marketing with their “1 Island, 1 Color Marketing” initiative. What stands out to you about this approach?
Dr. Choi: What I find particularly compelling about Shinan-gun’s strategy is its simplicity yet effectiveness. The concept of “1 Island, 1 Color” seamlessly integrates the unique characteristics of each island, enhancing identity and increasing engagement for both visitors and locals. This targeted marketing allows for a richer, more personalized visitor experience.
Alex Kim: That’s a great point! The awards ceremony highlighted the importance of public-private collaboration. How critical do you think this collaboration is for successful tourism policies?
Dr. Choi: Collaboration is essential in tourism. It embodies the collective effort needed to promote a destination. Shinan-gun’s ability to work effectively between government bodies and local businesses demonstrates a robust framework that encourages innovation and sustainability. When stakeholders unite, they can leverage resources and ideas, resulting in impactful tourism initiatives.
Alex Kim: Indeed! Lee Yeon-taek, the President of the Korea Tourism Policy Association, referred to the Shinan case as an “ideal exemplary case from a textbook.” What elements do you think make it so exemplary?
Dr. Choi: Elements such as visionary leadership, strategic vision, and actionable plans make it exemplary. Shinan-gun’s policies are deeply rooted in the community’s strengths, allowing residents to take pride in their local culture, which rolls back into the tourism experience. Moreover, their focus on quality over quantity resonates with current global tourism trends, where travelers increasingly seek authentic and sustainable experiences.
Alex Kim: County Governor Park Woo-ryang expressed hopes for further expanding their policies. What future steps would you recommend for Shinan-gun to maintain this momentum?
Dr. Choi: I would recommend continuing to monitor feedback from both tourists and residents to iteratively refine their offerings. Expanding partnerships for cultural and eco-tourism can also attract diverse visitor demographics. investing in digital marketing strategies would enhance their reach and engagement with potential travelers, particularly the younger generations who are often influenced by social media.
Alex Kim: Great suggestions! Shinan-gun also held the ‘2024 Shinan Sea Salt Producers One Mind Competition’ recently. How does an event like this contribute to the overall tourism appeal of the region?
Dr. Choi: Local events foster community pride while showcasing the region’s unique products, like sea salt in this case. Such competitions highlight local craftsmanship, making it a point of interest for visitors. When tourists see a destination that celebrates its local industries, it enhances their connection to the place, potentially increasing their likelihood of returning and sharing their experience with others.
Alex Kim: Thank you, Dr. Choi, for your insights today. Shinan-gun’s recognition at the Korea Tourism Policy Awards truly reflects the potential for effective tourism policies when they’re uniquely tailored to local strengths.
Dr. Choi: Thank you, Alex! I look forward to seeing how Shinan-gun continues to evolve and influence tourism trends in Korea.
[Scene fades out with images of Shinan-gun’s picturesque islands and local events.]