▲ Governor Won Hee-ryong. Photo courtesy Jeju Special Self-Governing Province

Governor Won Hee-ryong took office after winning the June 4 election this year. He said these words in an interview about the Jeju cruise industry. - Ed.

1. What impact will the 2014 Asia Cruise Forum JEJU have on the local cruise industry?

As the place where the cruise agenda will be set, the forum will strengthen Jeju’s leading position for the development of the industry through in-depth discussions. The ACLN and ACTA annual meetings will take the lead and empower the network to ensure sustainable and stable growth for the region.

2. What is the potential of Jeju cruise tourism?

Jeju is located on the ‘Marine Silk Road’ of Northeast Asia. Therefore, compared to other ports of call in the region, Jeju is relatively dominant in terms of location, tourism resources and cruise port infrastructure. This is expected to increase and improve continuously.

3. How can we ensure that cruise industry benefits reach the Jeju people?

Along with the growth of the cruise industry, the wider Jeju tourism industry, local markets, the shipping industry and primary industries, by supplying Jeju produce to cruise companies, can grow together. I believe that the cruise industry will greatly contribute to the revitalization of the old downtown area and the south of the island.

4. What future provincial plans are there to support the local cruise industry?

In order to continue attracting cruise ships, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province will improve cruise infrastructure, ensure the province is ready to receive more cruise tourists, promote the Jeju international cruise forum and train specialized human resources. Through this process, Jeju will grow as the hub city of the Asian cruise industry.

5. What message do you have for forum participants?

On behalf of Jeju citizens, I welcome all tourists who visit Jeju despite the hot weather. I look forward to you all having a faithful role in the forum and hope this can be a great opportunity to exchange useful information and build a cruise network.