Boosting Local Economy Through Tourism and Sporting events

Jangseong County in South Jeolla Province is preparing to welcome a surge of visitors as it hosts the Jeonnam Sports Competition and the Jeonnam Disabled Sports Competition. These events are central to the county’s “Visit Jangseong Year” initiative,designed to revitalize the local economy through increased tourism.

Jeonnam Sports Competition: A four-Day Extravaganza

The 64th Jeonnam Games, a four-day event, is scheduled to take place from April 18th to 21st. Athletes will compete across 23 disciplines, including popular sports like athletics, soccer, table tennis, wrestling, and badminton. The competition kicks off with golf on April 17th at Blue Sol GC, culminating in the soccer finals at the weekly stadium on April 21st.

Paralympic Games to Follow, Expanding Inclusivity

Following closely on its heels, the 33rd Jeonnam Paralympic Games will run from April 30th to May 2nd. This event will feature 21 sports, showcasing the talents of athletes in billiards, coordination, taekwondo, and dance sports, among others.

Anticipating a Tourist Influx

Local authorities estimate that the Jeonnam Games will attract approximately 7,000 athletes and 15,000 visitors.The Jeonnam Paralympic Games are expected to draw similar numbers, contributing significantly to the local economy.

Strategic Integration with Local Festivals

Jangseong County is strategically aligning these sporting events with its “Visit Jangseong Year” campaign. April and May have been designated as the ‘Month of Jangseong Visit,’ during which various tourism programs, including restaurant and accommodation certification events, will be in full swing. This initiative aims to provide a seamless and attractive experience for visitors.

Festivals Enhance the Tourist Experience

Kim Han-jong, a local official, highlighted the synergy between the sporting events and local festivals. We anticipate a important increase in visitors due to the concurrent ‘Growing Wall Rock Festival’ and ‘Hwangryonggang Gil-dong flower Festival’ in May. These festivals offer tourists a diverse range of cultural and recreational activities, further enhancing their visit to Jangseong.

Economic Impact and Future Prospects

The “Visit Jangseong Year” initiative, combined with the influx of athletes and tourists for the sports competitions and festivals, is projected to provide a ample boost to the local economy. Similar initiatives in other regions have demonstrated significant economic benefits. For example, the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris are projected to generate billions of euros in revenue for the French economy. Jangseong aims to replicate this success on a regional scale, leveraging its unique attractions and hospitality to create a memorable experience for visitors and a lasting positive impact on the local community.