Cultural Development for Sustainable Island Tourism in the Asia-Pacific Region

Jeju-do, Republic of Korea, May 29th ~ June 1st, 2018

I. Background

Tourism is certainly the largest and fastest-growing industry in the world. Today, tourism accounts for 10 per cent of the global GDP, creating 1 in every 11 jobs in the world. Every year, millions of tourists flock to various tourist attractions such as historical sites, museums and coastlines, generating incomes and jobs to the local economy. In particular, the strongest increase in international tourist arrivals is projected in the Asia-Pacific region by 2030. [1]  In fact, the World Bank forecasts that tourism will become one of the most largest sectors in the Pacific islands by 2040. [2]Pacific Islands, with its breath-taking coastline and unique, indigenous culture, have a great potential as touristic destinations.

Despite the economic and social benefits brought by tourism, however, many countries have been experiencing the consequences of the increased number of tourists and excessive development, including the loss of local culture, coastal degradation, higher risks of climate change, etc. In particular, the Eleventh Meeting of the World Committee on Tourism Ethics has closed with calls to make “Safe Coastal Tourism” a priority in coastal destinations worldwide.[3]  The need for well-designed plans for sustainable tourism is highlighted to ensure the long-term economic, environmental and social benefits, especially for coastal regions. These areas need to sustain its own characteristics in order to achieve balanced local development in the long term.

This workshop, therefore, provides a venue for participants to understand the tourism management,  with particular focus on culture,  through various lectures and group activities. Best practices on sustainable tourism will be presented, offering opportunities to explore well-designed tourism development cases around the world. There will be sessions to discuss good policies and practical sustainable tourism projects in line with the UN SDGs. Finally, the workshop will help local actors effectively develop relevant policies, promoting and enhancing their geographical advantages for the social, environmental and economic benefits in the long term.

II. Event objectives

The workshop aims to build capacity of participants on tourism policy with particular focus on culture, whilst promoting awareness and recognition on the importance of sustainable tourism management and cultural development. In this sense, this event will;

·          Provide an opportunity for the local governments and cities in island of the Asia-Pacific region to exchange sustainable tourism and cultural development policies and best practices through city-to-city cooperation.

·          Promote a learning atmosphere between cities and establish a strong network which can be utilized after the workshop.

·      Offer a venue for knowledge sharing and discussion and motivate participants to implement sustainable tourism and cultural development policies, with particular focues on cultural tourism management.

III. Learning objectives

IV. Content and structure

V. Methodology

VI. Target audience

Central/local authorities and representatives from NGOs, regional and community-based organizations, academic and training institutions and other local actors, who are working in the field of tourism and cultural development within the Asia-Pacific region.

** Participants should have a sufficient command of both written and spoken English.

VII. Event detail

VIII. Requirements

IX. Application and deadline

Send the following documents to cifaljeju.tdev@gmail.com by 26 April 2018 (Thursday): 

 ** Late application will not be accepted.

X. Note

XI. Assistance with travel expenses