The 7th China-South Korea Tourism Cooperation Symposium was held online.

On June 4, 2020, the "Seventh China-South Korea Tourism Cooperation Symposium" was held online, jointly organized by the China Tourism Academy and the Korea Cultural and Tourism Research Institute. The theme of this symposium was "Impact of the Epidemic and Tourism Revitalization". The organizers hoped that through the holding of this symposium, they could share the beneficial experiences of China and South Korea in combating the COVID-19 epidemic and promoting the recovery and revitalization of the tourism industry, and further deepen and strengthen the exchanges and cooperation between the two countries' tourism sectors. Representatives from the Chinese and South Korean organizers, government departments in charge of tourism, industry representatives, academic representatives from both countries, and media representatives, totaling nearly 300 people, registered for the event. The symposium used a professional conference system for online activities and discussions. The meeting was chaired by Dr. Yang Jin-song, the director of the International Research Institute of the China Tourism Academy.

At the seminar, Kim Hyung-jong, an associate researcher of the Korea Cultural and Tourism Research Institute, and He Qiongfeng, the director of the Data Analysis Department of the China Tourism Academy, delivered keynote speeches respectively on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism industries of their respective countries; An Heizi, an associate researcher of the Korea Cultural and Tourism Research Institute, and Song Zikun, the director of the Policy and Science and Technology Research Institute and chief strategic researcher of the China Tourism Academy, shared their views and information on the tourism revitalization policies of the two countries under the background of responding to the pandemic; Kim Jin-guk, the executive director and president of Hanatour, and Chen Gang, the co-founder and CEO of Mafengwo Travel, discussed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the response strategies from the perspective of entrepreneurs.

Kim Dae-gwan, the director of the Korea Cultural and Tourism Research Institute, delivered an excellent keynote speech. He pointed out that the future forms of tourism and tourism consumption trends will change, and safety and hygiene will become important factors influencing tourists' choices of scenic spots and tourism facilities. The demand for contactless tourism services will increase. Director Kim Dae-gwan believes that the post-COVID era has opened a new era for the tourism industry, and it has raised higher requirements for the crisis management capabilities of the tourism industry. He emphasized the need to build a more capable and robust tourism industry ecosystem with stronger crisis response capabilities, forming a strong cooperative network involving relevant entities such as government, industry, academia, and research. More support should be provided in training outstanding tourism professionals. Director Kim Dae-gwan called on China and South Korea to pool their wisdom and share successful experiences. They should play a leading role in the new era of tourism and look forward to deepening exchanges and cooperation to promote common prosperity. It is hoped that tourism can enhance the happiness of the people in both countries and achieve sustainable development.

Dai Bin, President of the China Tourism Academy, delivered a concluding speech entitled "Cultural Innovation Boosts the Asian Tourism Promotion Plan." He pointed out that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and South Korea, tourism exchanges have maintained a positive upward trend thanks to geographical proximity, cultural affinity, and political mutual trust. The proposal of the Asian Tourism Promotion Plan has received positive responses from the tourism industry and local governments of Asian countries, including China and South Korea. This strategic plan will further solidify the foundation for future cultural exchanges between China and South Korea and inject new vitality into bilateral tourism exchanges. President Dai Bin believes that both countries have achieved a phased victory in the fight against the pandemic in the tourism sector, market consumer confidence is recovering, and the momentum for industrial revitalization is accumulating. He pointed out that the revitalization and innovation of cultural heritage will inject new momentum into the Asian Tourism Promotion Plan and is also the purpose and direction of tourism exchange and cooperation between China and South Korea. President Dai Bin believes that while emphasizing cultural value, it is even more important to leverage the power of the market and pay attention to the revolutionary impact that new business models formed by the integration of art and technology are having on the future tourism growth and consumption patterns of China and South Korea. President Dai Bin stressed that a close neighbor is worse than a distant relative, and good neighbors should maintain frequent contact. The people's aspiration for a better life is unstoppable, and the prospects for future tourism exchanges and cooperation between the two countries are bright. For the sake of the well-being of the people's tourism, China and South Korea need to extend more goodwill and call on mainstream media and internet platforms to express friendly sentiments in a way that better understands each other, and promote the construction of a positive tourism destination image.

Based on the theme of the seminar, the China Tourism Academy and the Korea Cultural and Tourism Research Institute also produced a series of written statements and research outcomes.