And hats off to South Korea this morning — they’re absolutely smashing it when it comes to tourism.
The government set a goal: 30 million visitors a year by 2030.
In 2005, they had 6 million.
Last year? 16 million.
This year: they’re on track to hit 20 million.
This isn’t happening by chance — it’s happening by design.
Government and business have come together and gone all in on infrastructure and law changes.
They’re extending an electronic visa-free travel pass.
By the start of next year, they’ll have integrated ticketing for all public transport. You’ll use the same pass for major tourist attractions.
Imagine catching the Waiheke ferry and doing the luge — all on one pass.
There’s a big push on regional tourism.
But their secret sauce? A cultural takeover of movies, TV shows, and music.
That’s another industry they’ve invested in heavily — and now it’s paying dividends we could only dream of.
We know this works — just look at Lord of the Rings.
Almost 400 million people around the world have watched a show called K-pop Demon Hunters. It’s Netflix’s most-watched show. Ever.
And now every kid is begging their parents to take them to South Korea.
This isn’t about complaining or saying we should be doing better.
Our government has — or is at least trying to — pull together similar schemes here.
This is simply to say: what an impressive operation. Watching the Koreans plan, execute, and get results is inspiring.
It’s something that should excite us. The Saudis are going big on gaming. The Irish rolled out the red carpet for big tech. Captain Judith Collins this week reckons our next big thing should be space.
We’re world leaders in agriculture. So what do you want to add to that list — and how can we follow South Korea’s lead and make a plan to get there?
Ryan Bridge is a New Zealand broadcaster who has worked on many current affairs television and radio shows. He currently hosts Newstalk ZB's Early Edition - where this article was sourced.
4 comments:
Have you seen the state of some of the hotel accommodation in New Zealand recently?
A drive through Taupo or Rotorua is like traveling back in time to the 70s or 80s.
Yes, we do have "some" high end resorts and hotels but if we want to attract more tourists, we need to at least improve some of the cow sheds and old horse stables that pass for mid-range accommodation.
We offer what is well below par compared to regions like southeast Asia.
(quote) - " Captain Judith Collins (she of the RNZNavy who was so happy no one lost their life, when a $6mil ship sunk) this week reckons our next big thing should space" (end quote).
Yup, well in line with C Luxon, PM-NZ who wants "monied people" to invest in our housing infrastructure, there be "space" in the South Island.
Inland & south from Geraldine.
Oh, the Saudi's "are going big on gaming", yup their current Head Shed is "dead keen" - to complete that megatropolis across the sand, so the 'rich kids, with multi Mil$ cars' have somewhere to live.
And no doubt spend "their awake" hours gaming.
In the meantime, Fonterra are selling a large part of our Dairy Production to a French Company. That will create "space" somewhere!
Some Perspective.
Pre Covid (2019) Sth Korea had 17.9 Mill tourits.
65% of Tourists come from Neighbours China, Japan, Taiwan)
Ie cheap and quick travel.
Yes, Sth Korea has some great operational approaches to Tourism, as the do with many of their industries(Electronics, Ship Builders etc).
Just some perspective to balance the emotional hooplah of the article
Why would you want to come to a country that offers you cities infested with the rif raf of society, drunks and druggies that will threaten, abuse and possibly attack you, empty shops whose owners couldn't survive the ravages of covid and constant roadworks, a public transport network that uses a te reo communication system that even the average Kiwi can't understand and a citizenry struggling to find anything positive about even being here.
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