GANGNEUNG CITY ENG - 솔향강릉

- Hosting The 2023 Gangneung Mice City Forum on Nov. 24th (Fri.), 2023 at 14:00 -

   Gangneung-si will be holding the 2023 Gangneung Mice City Forum at 14:00 on Nov. 24th (Fri.), with the aim of drawing a blueprint for MICE-driven tourism. The event took place at the Lakai Sandpine Resort.

   ​Determined to make a leap forward, Gangneung-si declared that this year marked the first year in which the city would be a destination for wellness and the MICE industry. As part of their efforts, the city will host the forum for the second time under the theme ‘Seeking a New Growth Momentum to Foster a MICE Industry in Gangneung’.

        ​In the lead-up to large-scale international events such as the Winter Youth Olympic Games Gangwon 2024 and the 2026 Gangneung ITS World Congress, the city, through this forum, will explore strategies to emerge as an international tourism destination. Notably, the city will discuss ways to develop the MICE industry by specializing in local characteristics based on their experiences gained from hosting the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympic Games and the 2023 Gangneung World Choir Games.

        ​In addition, the city is promoting the construction of a convention center ahead of hosting the ITS World Congress in 2026. With the use of this convention center, the city aims to build a venue that provides citizens with an opportunity to learn and fosters a sustainable MICE industry through citizens’ participation. Additionally, it aims to promote mutually beneficial cooperation between private entities, the public sector, academia, and industries.

   ​The forum hosted by Gangneung-si and sponsored by the Gangneung Tourism Development Corporation will have a variety of guest speakers, with the participation of Gangneung Mayor Kim Hong-gyu and the Chairperson of Gangneung City Council Kim Ki-young. The forum will begin with a keynote speech by Professor Kim Bong-seok of Kyunghee University, whose theme is ‘The Role of a Local Convention Center and Fostering a City’s Brand’.

        ​Also, the forum will feature numerous presentations: (1) Fostering a MICE-Specializing Gangneung & Boosting Local Economy by Professor Han Jin-young of Catholic Kwandong University, (2) MICE Technology Trends & Nurturing the MICE Industry in Gangneung by Choi Hak-chan, who serves as a representative of MICE Tech Alliance and as co-representative of Ezpmp, and (3) Regional Mice City Marketing by Mice Business Director Seo Dong-wook of the Suwon Convention Center.

        Following the presentations, a session will be chaired by Professor Lee Eun-seong of Dongduk Women’s University. At the session, Chairman Kim Jin-yong of the Administrative Committee of Gangneung City Council, Dr. Lee Young-joo of the Gangwon Research Institute, and Professor Kang Sang-guk of Gangneung-Wonju National University will share their thoughts on presentations and explore ways to foster the MICE industry unique to Gangneung.

   ​Mayor Kim Hong-gyu said, "The MICE industry, in the long term, can create high-added value by integrating with local industries, thus contributing to the enhancement of urban recognition and the expansion of new tourism markets." He further expressed, "Through continuous support for the MICE industry, we will strive to enhance the brand value of Gangneung as a wellness & MICE city, revitalizing the local economy and developing the tourism industry. As a result, we aim to take another step forward so that we may emerge as one of the world's top 100 tourist cities.

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