Local decline is no longer a future statistic; it has become a reality. Young people are leaving for metropolitan areas, regional schools are closing, and local businesses are losing vitality. This is why the government and local authorities are focusing on increasing the resident population, as relying solely on registered population figures no longer adequately reflects regional vitality.
The digital tourism resident card, promoted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization, is a policy born from these concerns. It grants 'honorary resident' status to tourists visiting declining population areas and offers discounts on accommodations, transportation, experiences, and attractions to encourage regional visits. Recently, the ministry expanded the number of participating areas from 44 to 52, meaning more than half of the 89 designated declining population areas are now involved.
The most significant aspect of the digital tourism resident card is its shift in focus for tourism policy. While past policies concentrated on attracting as many tourists as possible, there is now a growing emphasis on how long visitors stay and how often they return. The goal has shifted from merely increasing visitor numbers to enhancing the resident population.
The resident population has emerged as a new key to addressing local decline. Many declining areas actually host a transient population that far exceeds their registered residents, supporting the local economy. Weekend travelers, remote workers, rural experience participants, and festival attendees are prime examples. There is a growing recognition that even those who do not have a registered address in the area but spend time and money there are vital contributors to local vitality.
In this context, the digital tourism resident card represents more than just a discount coupon initiative. It signifies a shift in perspective, viewing tourists not merely as consumers but as individuals who form connections with the region. If discounts can lead to visits, experiences at local festivals, purchases of local specialties, and repeat visits, it could significantly benefit the local economy.
However, several conditions must be met for the program to succeed. Above all, there must be compelling reasons for tourists to return. While discounts may encourage initial visits, they do not guarantee repeat visits. If regions continue to offer similar festivals and experiences, they will struggle to leave a lasting impression on tourists. Efforts are needed to develop unique local resources into differentiated content, such as marine healing in Wando, fermentation culture in Sunchang, and ecological tourism in Uljin.
Improving basic tourism infrastructure, such as transportation, accommodations, and information systems, is also crucial. No matter how good the policy is, if transportation is inconvenient and there is a lack of lodging, the length of stay will not increase. It is essential to remember that the competitiveness of local tourism lies not in discount rates but in the quality of experiences offered.
The evaluation methods for these policies also need to change. Future assessments should focus more on actual visit frequency, return rates, length of stay, and increases in local spending rather than merely counting the number of cardholders or partner facilities. This way, the digital tourism resident card can evolve from a mere promotional event into a policy that revitalizes the local economy.
Tourism alone cannot resolve local decline. More fundamental issues such as jobs, education, healthcare, and housing remain. However, tourism serves as a practical entry point for people to first engage with a region. It has the power to draw people in, foster relationships, and encourage repeat visits. If the digital tourism resident card can serve as a first step in this direction, it could be a meaningful experiment in addressing local decline. The key is not merely to issue more resident cards but to create more connections between people and the region.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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