Hand in hand for economic cooperation, the Region of Crete and Gyeonggi Province
Createdd 2015-03-12 Hit 641
Contents
European travel journal: Discussions on vitalizing tourism industry with regional governor of Crete
Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil is in Europe seeking means by which to vitalize the marine industry and establish a socio-economic hub.
Today, he met with Stavros Arnaoutakis, regional governor of Crete, at a restaurant called ‘En Plo’ in Heraklion, Crete. The two governors discussed a number of issues including how to vitalize the tourism industry, how to overcome the economic crisis, and means of enhancing cooperation between the two regions.
Heraklion Mayor Vasilis Lambrinou, Heraklion Deputy Mayor of Culture and Tourism Aristea Plevri, and Honorary Korean Consular Representative in Crete Miltiadis Karatzis were also present for the meeting.
Governor Arnaoutakis requested cooperation in the tourism sector, saying, “Greece and Korea have continued to improve their relations in politics, trade and culture; however, the relationship in tourism remains unsatisfactory.”
In response, Governor Nam said that he was deeply impressed by Crete’s history, culture, and natural environment, and that he also wishes to foster closer cooperation and improved relations. Most importantly, Governor Nam noted that the lack of direct flights between the two countries acts as a deterrent in attracting tourists. Accordingly, he said he would make a suggestion to airlines upon returning to Korea for the operation of direct flights between Korea and Greece even if just for the peak season in summer.
During the meeting, Governor Nam proposed naming Gyeonggi Province’s new government building construction project the ‘Knossos Project’ after the Palace of Knossos, one of the most famous historic attractions of Crete.
Governor Nam was impressed by the Palace of Knossos, which was designed for citizens rather than monarchs or nobles for the first time in human history. Viewing the palace, he vowed to make the project for Gyeonggi Province’s new government complex a project for the people of Gyeonggi Province.
In response to a question regarding his opinion of Greece’s national debt crisis, Governor Nam recommended remaining in the Eurozone.
Some argue that, despite the hardship it will entail, Greece should leave the Eurozone and reconstruct its national foundation. However, the initial shock may be too great to allow Greece to handle the ensuing economic and political developments.
Mayor Lambrinou, who also attended the meeting, asked for some practical advice in the attraction of Korean tourists.
Governor Nam used Croatia or Prague as two examples of places that saw upticks in Korean tourist numbers following recent television programs introducing those locales. Similarly, television programs introducing Cretan food and culture, or using Greece as a backdrop in a television series, could potentially yield great results.
