SESSION 7
ASEAN-Republic of Korea Tourism Cooperation: Fostering People-to-people Connectivity
The presentation highlights tourism as a vital pillar of ASEAN-Korea economic cooperation, contributing to GDP, employment, and cultural exchange while addressing challenges such as infrastructure limitations, regulatory barriers, and the need for digital transformation, particularly in a post-COVID landscape which underscores safety, sustainability, and inclusivity. It examines evolving tourism patterns and highlights opportunities in untapped destinations, the growing influence of Korean culture, and the potential for regional cooperation in digital and sustainable tourism practices. Lastly, the presentation discusses bilateral policy initiatives and future measures to enhance tourism’s role as a driver of broader economic growth.
Presented by:
Dr. Jong Woo Kang, Director for Regional Cooperation and Integration, Economic Research and Development Impact Department, Asian Development Bank