Five Million Tourists Expected in 2000

The number of foreign travelers visiting Korea next year will reach 5 million and in 2003 it is projected to top 7 million.
The Korea National Tourism Authority(KNTA) Monday outlined its management plans for the new millennium.
According to its schedule, the KNTA will promote 'Tour Week for Korea' all around the world while linking Korea-Japan-China and North Korea together on the Mt. Kumgang tour program.
The KNTA has set a goal of attracting 5 milion foreigners in 2000, a 7.5 percent increase on 1999's 4.65 million.
However, it is gearing up for 2001 and its 'Visit Korea' promotion, followed by 2002 when Korea co-hosts the FIFA World Cup event. The program is designed to better Korea's image around the globe.
Image translates into money, as the projected income from tourism for the year 2000 is projected to reach $6.7 billion and almost double to $12 billion in 2003.
The KNTA will be particularly concentrating on the as yet untapped Chinese market, developing the Northeast Asia Oriental Cruise project for North Korea's Mt. Kumgang tour.
Bong Hwa-shik:trojans@joongang.co.kr