Seoul’s local government is launching a stringent crackdown on unfair tourism practices, specifically targeting the notorious ‘dumping tours,’ in a bid to protect the city’s standing as a top tourist destination. This move comes as the city witnesses a significant increase in the number of international visitors, prompting concerns over the potential damage these practices could inflict on Seoul’s tourism industry.
Identifying and Addressing the Problem
Following an extensive survey of Seoul travel packages available in the Chinese market, the city government discovered a worrying trend. Out of 3,097 packages reviewed, 85 were suspected of being dumping tours, characterized by their inclusion of compulsory shopping trips and prices suspiciously lower than the combined cost of airfare and accommodation. These tours often involve unqualified guides and prioritize shopping over cultural experiences, with a particular focus on duty-free and souvenir shops.
Implementing Solutions
To combat these malpractices, Seoul is taking a multi-faceted approach. Initial steps include sharing survey findings with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Chinese Embassy in Seoul, aiming to prevent the spread of dumping tours. Further measures involve enhancing the ombudsman system to report and tackle illegal tourism activities, along with stricter regulations on tour guides and the prohibition of unauthorized tour program sales through social media.
Collaborative Efforts for Fair Tourism
Kim Young-hwan, the director general of the Tourism and Sports Bureau, emphasized the importance of collaboration between the city government, the tourism industry, and relevant organizations in eradicating illegal practices and promoting fair tourism. With over 11 million tourists visiting Korea in 2023, marking a 245 percent increase from the previous year, the urgency to safeguard Seoul’s tourism reputation has never been greater.
As Seoul steps up its efforts to ensure a fair and enjoyable experience for all tourists, the impact of these measures on the city’s tourism landscape remains to be seen. Nonetheless, this initiative reflects Seoul’s commitment to maintaining its status as a welcoming and reputable destination for visitors from around the world.