15 Public Institutions in the Tourism Sector Unite to Practice ESG Management

Photos from the beachcombing event for a "carbon-free trip" at Yeondae Island, Tongyeong, promoted by the Korea Tourism Organization last June.

[Asia Economy Reporter Donghyun Choi] The 'National Tourism Organizations Council,' a consultative body of 15 public institutions including the Korea Tourism Organization that implement Korea's tourism promotion policies, announced on the 6th that it will carry out an eco-friendly "Good Travel" relay campaign to practice ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) management in the tourism sector until the end of the year.

This campaign was planned following a unanimous resolution by the 15 institutions at the regular meeting of the National Tourism Organizations Council held in Incheon at the end of June. Since the tourism industry accounts for about 5-8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, the campaign aims to actively implement the government's carbon neutrality policy and promote eco-friendly travel. The campaign will start in Incheon on this day and continue nationwide at the metropolitan level until the end of this year. It will focus on encouraging active participation from travelers and local residents through various activities such as plogging (picking up trash while jogging), beachcombing (beach cleanup activities), and eco trekking.

The National Tourism Organizations Council intends to continuously strengthen the eco-friendly management system led by the public sector to reduce carbon emissions. It also plans to discover nationwide eco-friendly travel content and develop eco-friendly travel products in collaboration with local governments, the travel industry, and eco-friendly material tourism venture companies. Additionally, the council plans to promote eco-friendly travel content and products through various channels, including the Korea Tourism Organization's new travel subscription service "Gabolrae-ter," to spread an eco-friendly travel culture.

As part of this effort, the council is also working on adopting a "Joint Resolution on Eco-friendly Management in the Tourism Sector" within this month and delivering it to the government and the international community, including the UN. By leading the realization of carbon neutrality in the tourism industry and promoting eco-friendly travel, public institutions aim to enhance Korea's image as a country actively responding to climate change and contribute to Korea's bid to host the 28th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP28) in 2023, which the government is currently pursuing.

Seo Youngchung, Director of the National Tourism Office at the Korea Tourism Organization and the secretariat of the National Tourism Organizations Council, stated, "The domestic tourism industry's efforts to respond to climate change are still in the early stages," adding, "This relay campaign will be the starting point, and the Korea Tourism Organization will collaborate with regional tourism organizations (RTOs) on regional campaigns."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.