PYEONG CHANG – On June 10 2013, GTI held its 6th Tourism Board Meeting in Pyeong Chang County, Gangwon Province, ROK. Members of the GTI Tourism Board from China, Mongolia, ROK and Russian Federation participated in this meeting.

Mr. Shin Yong-Eon, the Chairperson of the Board praised in his welcoming remark the progress of activities and projects in the tourism sector and requested for the members’ continued support and effort in producing more tangible and concrete results.

The Secretariat first introduced the progress of GTI cooperation in the tourism sector and discussed ongoing projects and activities. The Mutli-destination Tourism (MDT) Project was discussed at length; after the presentation of final study outcomes by GTI, Mr. Zhang Wei, Director General of Jilin Province Tourism Association detailed the establishment of the MDT center in Jilin, urging member countries to appoint representatives to the Center for more efficient coordination and cooperation. The Center will remain committed to develop and promote the MDT Project and maintain the database, will conduct activities under the leadership of GTI.

The Northeast Asia (NEA) Forum was also widely supported by all participants, considering Hunchun as a possible venue to host its second meeting. GTI Secretariat asked members’ support in implementing a comprehensive visa facilitation study, a halted initiative due to a lack of funding. Russia presented its possible agenda in allowing foreigners’ four day, visa-free stay in Primorsky’s Krai region.

Several future projects were discussed, including the GTI tourism Work Plan 2013-2014 and the following 7th GTI Tourism Board meeting. Members endorsed the submitted plan and ROK strongly supported the Work Plan and requested Secretariat to implement the scheduled initiatives. Russian Federation’s Primorsky government made its commitment in hosting the 7th Board Meeting within the frame of the Pacific International Tourism Expo (PITE) in May 2014 in Vladivostok. In addition, the Primorsky government has made effort in garnering resources in developing new tour routes, drafted plan to provide online tour information available in several languages, English, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese. With members’ unanimous consent, Russia will host and chair the next board meeting in 2014.