At the 4th Asia Cruise Forum, Governor Won Heeryong suggested simplifying passport checks at ports by working with immigration. If the proposal is adopted, cruise tourists will be able to spend more time on the island. Joseph Kim reports.
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4th Asia Cruise Forum Jeju, Maison Glad Hotel

This is the opening ceremony of the 4th Asia Cruise Forum Jeju.

Governor Won Heeryong proposed an immigration regulation free zone at the ceremony where cruise industry insiders including representatives of international cruise operators gathered.

Won’s proposal includes conforming different rules and systems of immigration control to that of other countries.

If the proposal is adopted, delays in the immigration procedure will be resolved and it will help boost the local economy.

Interview
Won Heerong / Governor
I would like to propose the adoption of regulation-free zones at ports for quick immigration control and greater convenience for the tourists based on multilateral cooperation.
<녹취:원희룡 제주특별자치도지사>
"견고한 협력과 관광객의 편리를 확대해 나가기 위해서는 서로 호환성이 있는 원-패스 카드, 출입국에 있어서의 규제 프리존을 도입할 것을 제안합니다."

Currently on average, arrivals of international cruises spend only six hours in Jeju, as the first two to three hours are spent on passport checks.

Which means that they spend less time on the island, which contributes less to the local economy.

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Short stays currently limit tour options

Additionally, because of the short stay, cruise operators have a limited number of options in choosing tour programs, which lowers Jeju’s brand value.

Cruise industry insiders support the idea, noting that regulation free zones will satisfy tourists and enhance cruise tour services.

INTERVIEW
Wang Younong / Shanghai Wusongkou Intl. Cruise Terminal Co.
The regulation-free zones would simplify passport control at ports and encourage cruise operators to design a wide array of tour programs.
<인터뷰:왕우농 中상해오송구국제크루즈터미널발전유한공사 사장>
"항만간 협력을 통해 통관을 간소화 할 수 있고, 선사 같은 경우 상품을 다양화 할 수 있는 기회를 제공하게 됩니다"

The cohost of the event, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, promised that it will address the proposal.

As forum participants discuss issues for cruise industry growth quantitatively as well as qualitatively at the Asia Cruise Forum, the international event is developing into an arena where cruise industry stakeholders are working together for a brighter future.

Joseph Kim KCTV