The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will hold an "open travel week" providing practical travel opportunities for vulnerable groups in tourism.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, along with the Korea Tourism Organization and the Korea Tourism Association, noted on the 14th that they will promote the "open travel week" from April 14 to 20. They will also hold experience events to raise national awareness of barrier-free tourism.
First, they will introduce the "open travel" program for 30,000 won for those who have found it difficult to travel due to issues of mobility and accessibility. This program will include vehicles equipped with wheelchair lifts and professional support personnel called "Tour Care". A "sharing trip" for 200 people with physical, visual, and developmental disabilities will also be conducted in connection with the "open travel week."
An "open travel promotion" will also be launched, offering discounts on admission and experience fees. A total of 17 corporations and institutions, including national tourist sites and nearby dining and shopping facilities, will participate to provide tailored benefits for vulnerable groups in tourism.
In terms of accommodation, they will collaborate with NOL Universe to promote the "hotel campaign for everyone." Through the Yanolja app, users can easily check and book accessible room options at 103 hotels, enhancing accessibility and convenience for vulnerable groups in tourism. Among these, six businesses will provide benefits such as discounts on room rates and free lending of wheelchairs for vulnerable groups in tourism.
Kim Jeong-hoon, director of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's Tourism Policy Department, stated, "The first-ever 'open travel week,' launched in a time when the legal foundation for barrier-free tourism is being established and related policies are becoming increasingly important, will serve as an opportunity to change perceptions of accessibility and inclusiveness in tourism within our society beyond mere travel support."