ID :
202277
Fri, 08/19/2011 - 09:35
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/202277
The shortlink copeid
Ruling party leader suggests casino, duty free shops for Yeosu Expo
YEOSU, South Korea, Aug. 19 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's ruling party leader suggested Friday that casinos and duty free shops be built in this southern city ahead of hosting the May 2012 World Expo to attract overseas visitors and boost the local economy.
Rep. Hong Joon-pyo made the suggestion during his visit to the event venue in Yeosu, about 455 kilometers south of Seoul, along with senior government officials to discuss support measures to help organizers to better prepare for the international exhibition.
The 93-day event will kick off in May and is expected to draw more than 8 million visitors from more than 100 countries around the world, according to the organizing committee.
"Casinos are needed to attract Chinese tourists even after the event ends," Hong said. The organizing committee "should establish duty free shops to bring local tourists during the expo period."
While the country has 17 casinos, only one, Kangwon Land in an eastern alpine city, allows Korean citizens to enter while the rest are foreigners-only.
Hong also said the event will give the coastal city an opportunity to develop into the best resort city for retirees like Pebble Beach, a famous U.S. retiree community in California, if it utilizes exhibition facilities to build up such amenities as hospitals, resorts and golf courses after the event.
Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs Minister, Kwon Do-youp, said that the government will positively review Hong's suggestion and help efforts to successfully host the expo and make Yeosu an international tourist destination.
Rep. Hong Joon-pyo made the suggestion during his visit to the event venue in Yeosu, about 455 kilometers south of Seoul, along with senior government officials to discuss support measures to help organizers to better prepare for the international exhibition.
The 93-day event will kick off in May and is expected to draw more than 8 million visitors from more than 100 countries around the world, according to the organizing committee.
"Casinos are needed to attract Chinese tourists even after the event ends," Hong said. The organizing committee "should establish duty free shops to bring local tourists during the expo period."
While the country has 17 casinos, only one, Kangwon Land in an eastern alpine city, allows Korean citizens to enter while the rest are foreigners-only.
Hong also said the event will give the coastal city an opportunity to develop into the best resort city for retirees like Pebble Beach, a famous U.S. retiree community in California, if it utilizes exhibition facilities to build up such amenities as hospitals, resorts and golf courses after the event.
Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs Minister, Kwon Do-youp, said that the government will positively review Hong's suggestion and help efforts to successfully host the expo and make Yeosu an international tourist destination.
