Free insurance to woo tourists back to South Korea
The South Korean government in partnership with the Korea Association of Travel Agents has announced a free insurance scheme for all foreign tourists visiting the country from now until September 21, 2015.
Travellers will be automatically registered as they pass immigration checks, in a move to boost a flagging tourism industry badly hit by the MERS outbreak.
Tourist numbers fell 40% year-on-year in June after the outbreak which caused 86 infections and 36 deaths.
This insurance system is in effect in order to further ensure the safe and pleasant travel of all tourists," Tourism Director-General Kim Chul-min said.
"We are particularly eager to bring back Chinese tourists," Kim added.
The government plans to spend up to 30 billion won to woo tourists back with a campaign fronted by K-Pop stars, and offering free guided tours.
"Despite the caution raised by the recent spread of the MERS virus, there has been no cause for panic, and Korean citizens have continued living their daily lives as usual," a Tourism Ministry statement said.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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